Morocco is an assault on all the senses. The colors, the sounds of water and the smell of the flowers are all integral in Moroccan design. If you are a fan of the atmosphere of a typical Moroccan Riad, or internal courtyard of a traditional house, then you probably are looking for ways to recreate it.
We already took a look at how to decorate your interior in a Moroccan style, so now, let’s turn our attention outside.
In this article, I will go over several of the important elements that every Moroccan themed garden absolutely has to have.
1 – Water fixtures
The climate in Morocco is hot and dry so water fountains are everywhere. The running water helps to absorb the heat in the area and transfer it away so you feel cooler sitting near a fountain.
When you go into a courtyard in a Moroccan home, the centerpiece is always a glorious fountain. You can achieve the same thing by adding water fountains for your backyard.
Any Mediterranean style fountain will work so you don’t have to feel constricted by trying to hunt down a Moroccan specific design. Anything rustic looking or antique in appearance should work to create the right atmosphere.
Wall fountains are also an excellent idea since one fountain may not be enough or if you are limited on space.
2 – Make use of tile
Using tiles will give you a couple of benefits to any garden or outdoor space. For starters, they will add lots of color to the area. This is an essential element in anything Moroccan. Look for terracotta tiles with simple geometric patterns that together form an interesting panorama that oozes Mediterranean charm.
They also help cool things down. Rather than a dark stained deck that can absorb a lot of the heat of the sun, brightly colored tiles will reflect the light and keep things much cooler.
Any color scheme is acceptable so find the colors that will work with your general design scheme.
3 – Use trees and shrubs
Another way to keep things cool is to add some trees that will absorb the heat of the day and then release cool air in its place. Citrus trees are excellent at doing this and are typical for Morocco.
If you live in an area that can’t support growing citrus or palm trees, then evergreens will work nicely. Since they will stay green year round you can enjoy the garden style anytime of year. The green will also contrast nicely with the variety of colors of the tiles and other accessories you end up adding to the garden.
4 – Keep it symmetrical
Middle Eastern design is all about symmetry and balance and this includes Moroccan design. Arches add symmetry and so do geometrical patterns.
You can set up your garden in accordance with this principle by making a centerpiece of the previously mentioned fountain or some other fixture placed in the middle of the yard. Then radiate other features outward from there. Sort of like spokes in a wheel. On the edges of the yard, you can add other features at regular intervals to maintain the symmetry.
If your yard is not an even square or rectangle and has an irregular shape, then you can still have something in the middle and use some creativity when it comes to framing it.
5 – Use a fire pit
Think of cool desert nights and how a fire pit can both keep you warm and also lend a lovely ambience to the evening. What kind is entirely up to you. It can be as simple as a dug out pit lined with rocks, or something like a cast iron cage set up.
This is your opportunity to really seal the perfect space within the Moroccan theme by adding large pillows to sit on and oriental rugs around the area. Small tables around can be set up so you can enjoy some snacks like olives and pita bread to really feel like you’re on vacation even while at home.
6 – Plant lots of flowers
The last of the important elements is smell. Lots of flowers in the garden will perfume the air and delight your sense of smell. A bonus is that you are also adding lots more color to the garden.
The type of flower doesn’t matter as much as the abundance. However, since the scent, and even flavor, of rose is so important to Moroccan cuisine, it makes sense to have some roses in the garden.
Related reading: Benefits Of Having A Wooden Greenhouse In Your Garden
But, really anything that you love the smell of will be just right.