The popularity of the Mediterranean as a holiday destination has created a thirst for gardens tht reflect this region. The mild winters and warm, dry summer favor specific groups of plants, often hardy and low-growing, with olive trees, vines, lavender, various herbs, and many succulents combining to produce a distinctive style. These plants are designes to look natural, againts a background of textured surface such as gravel and scree. Trees provide dappled shade , and water is used sparingly, if at all. Any outdoor space can reflect a mediterranean atmosphere, from large, sheltered plots to colorful courtyards and roof terraces. Accross the world, California, South africa, and parts of Australia and Chile have similar climate to southern Europe and make excellent locations for Mediterranean gardens.