Landscaping Around the World: Italy

By: Rosalie Merriner 

Welcome to a new series: Landscaping Around the World! Once a month, we’ll be featuring landscape designs from different countries. First up—Italy!

Italy is a country rich in history and home to some of the most iconic architectural structures in the world, such as the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Landscaping plays a quintessential role in giving each region its unique character. Today, we’re moving away from the hustle and bustle of Rome and Milan and leaning into the Italian countryside.

Landscapes in the Italian countryside are designed to be both practical and inviting. They are meant to catch your eye and gently pull you inward, toward the heart of the property. The culture of the region greatly influences the landscape design. In the countryside, it feels as though time has slowed down. In contrast to modern “hustle culture,” life here is relaxed and tranquil.

Cypress trees line driveways leading to outdoor living spaces used for hosting friends and family. Plant choices are not only beautiful but also practical, often providing ingredients for the kitchen. Life in the countryside is meant to be a haven—not just for the homeowner, but for the community as well. By looking at elements of Italian design, you can curate a landscape that invites the people you love and reflects the same values of connection and simplicity.

Layout Is Everything

As mentioned earlier, Italian culture places a strong emphasis on community, and this is reflected in the layout of their landscapes. With mild weather for most of the year, the countryside is ideal for outdoor living. The kitchen is never far from the main gathering space, making it both practical and intentional. This design naturally draws attention to what matters most: time spent together.

Intentional Plant Choices

One thing Italians are undoubtedly known for is their food. Meals are unpretentious, simple, and delicious. Herbs like basil, parsley, and rosemary aren’t just found in the kitchen—they thrive in the garden as well. Herb gardens strike the perfect balance between beauty and functionality. They are easy to maintain, grow steadily, and allow homeowners to truly get the most out of their plant choices.

Stone Elements

Many homes feature not only thoughtful plant selections but intentional stonework as well. Pavers create pathways that lead through the garden to the heart of the yard—the table. Overhead, you might find a pergola draped with trailing vines to provide shade. On clear evenings, a fire pit becomes a natural gathering spot for friends and family. Creating space for connection is at the core of countryside living.

By looking at the elements Italians use in their landscape design, you can draw inspiration from a lifestyle that values simplicity, practicality, and connection. At Antonucci Lawn and Garden, we believe you shouldn’t need a 12-hour flight to experience that feeling. We’re here to help you create a space where you can slow down and connect with the ones you love.