With the official start of summer only a few short weeks away, I'm romanticizing my patio harder than ever.
Naturally, a rustic Mediterranean aesthetic, reminiscent of a Tuscan courtyard, is at the top of my Pinterest board. This look embodies the beauty of the season while feeling understated, and it's so achievable, thanks to terracotta.
Terracotta, a type of earthenware made from coarse, porous clay, is often associated with Mediterranean gardens. Working on Homes & Gardens' celebrity style team, I've observed how it's ever-sought-after among the world's most popular figures. Take Goldie Hawn, who is the latest example of this.
While browsing Goldie's Instagram, I came across a photo of her terrace, which she has decorated with a curated selection of terracotta planters. The actress hasn't overwhelmed her space with containers, which feels intentional. There is enough terracotta to get the Mediterranean look, without it feeling cluttered. The result is the blueprint for my own patio in the months ahead.
Get the look
Made from durable, lightweight plastic, this planter is fade, frost, and weather-resistant. It's the perfect piece for getting Goldie's look at a refreshingly low price point.
Nothing says Spanish Revival/ Mediterranean style like an oversized urn. This statement piece deserves a place on any patio, where it looks stunning in the summer light. It will offer the hint of European charm you've been waiting for.
With their natural stone coloring, no two of these planters are the same, meaning they're as unique as the gardens and patios they adorn.
Alongside their escapist qualities, terracotta planters are among the most versatile pieces you can introduce to your patio or terrace. I spoke to Tammy Sons, a horticulture expert and the founder and CEO of TN Nursery, who explained that these containers are useful for preventing root rot in my plants.
'Terracotta planters come in a variety of colors, but not only that – the clay they're made of is porous and breathable, preventing any root rot from happening and keeping the soil cool,' she says.
If you're looking for tips on creating a Mediterranean garden, Tammy recommends planting drought-tolerant herbs in your terracotta containers. These will look stunning all summer long.
'You can really achieve a sort of Mediterranean-courtyard aesthetic that goes well with stone, wood, and lush green foliage. I recommend planting drought-tolerant herbs ( like thyme, oregano, or rosemary ), succulents or cacti, or even sun-loving flowers like lavender or geraniums,' she says.
With terracotta containers, it's hard to go wrong. Whether you let them stand alone or fill them with greenery, they'll always feel utterly timeless. Even if you can't get the airplane ticket to Italy, you can recreate some of its charm in your yard this summer.
