Discover how to create a Mediterranean-inspired garden in Suffolk with hardy olive trees. Ideal for coastal towns like Aldeburgh, Southwold and Woodbridge. Expert tips and Suffolk-specific planting advice below.
Suffolk’s unique coastline, big skies and mild climate make it a surprisingly perfect place to grow olive trees. Whether you’re creating a coastal retreat in Aldeburgh, styling a second home in Southwold or enhancing your garden in Woodbridge, olive trees offer timeless Mediterranean charm — and they’re more resilient than you might think.
At The Norfolk Olive Tree Company, we’ve helped many Suffolk homeowners transform their outdoor spaces with these ancient, architectural beauties. In this blog, we’ll explore why olive trees are ideal for Suffolk gardens, how to plant them successfully in sandy soil, and how to bring that effortlessly chic Mediterranean feel to your coastal plot.
Why Olive Trees Thrive in Suffolk
When people think of olive trees, they often imagine sun-soaked groves in Italy or Greece. But the East Anglian climate – particularly along the Suffolk coast – shares some key qualities with the Mediterranean: long dry summers, mild winters and good drainage.
Olive trees are drought-tolerant and enjoy full sun, which makes them well-suited to exposed, sunny positions in places like Aldeburgh and Felixstowe. Their evergreen silvery foliage pairs beautifully with Suffolk’s coastal grasses, pebbles, and sandy textures.
And because they’re hardy down to around -18°C, most mature olive trees can survive even the chilliest Suffolk winter — particularly with a little care and shelter from strong north-easterly winds.
Mediterranean Garden Style in Suffolk
A Mediterranean garden isn’t just about the plants – it’s about creating a feeling of calm, warmth, and timeless elegance. Here are a few styling tips for creating your own Suffolk version of a Tuscan terrace or Mallorcan courtyard:
1. Use terracotta and natural stone:
Pair olive trees with clay pots, limestone paving, and gravel paths to reflect the dry, sun-washed look of Mediterranean landscapes.
2. Embrace drought-tolerant companions:
Complement your olive tree with lavender, rosemary, thyme and agapanthus – all of which thrive in well-drained Suffolk soil.
3. Go structural:
Olive trees are naturally sculptural. Use a mature specimen as a centrepiece in a courtyard or front garden, or frame an entrance with a matching pair in pots.
4. Think about wind:
Coastal areas like Southwold and Dunwich can be exposed. We recommend positioning olive trees in sheltered spots or planting with wind-tolerant shrubs like tamarisk or evergreen pittosporum.
Planting Olive Trees in Sandy Soil
Sandy soils, common across much of Suffolk, are actually excellent for olive trees – as long as they retain some moisture in summer. Here’s how to give your tree the best start:
- Dig a generous hole and mix in organic compost to boost nutrients.
- Ensure good drainage. If your soil is very loose, add loam or grit to create stability without waterlogging.
- Position in full sun – ideally against a warm wall or in a south-facing spot.
- Water well after planting, then reduce watering once established.
If you’re planting in pots, choose a large container with good drainage holes and use a Mediterranean compost mix. In colder parts of inland Suffolk, potted trees can be moved under cover in winter for protection.
Real Gardens with Olive Trees
Some of our most loyal customers live in beautiful coastal Suffolk towns like Orford, Woodbridge and Thorpeness. One Woodbridge client transformed her walled garden with a mature, gnarled olive tree planted in the centre of a gravel courtyard. With soft uplighting and lavender borders, the tree creates a striking focal point all year round.
In Aldeburgh, a pair of cone-shaped olive trees frame the entrance to a sea-view holiday cottage — offering guests a taste of the Mediterranean the moment they arrive.
Looking for Olive Trees for Sale in Suffolk?
We deliver and install beautiful, mature olive trees across Suffolk, including Aldeburgh, Southwold, Woodbridge, and beyond. Our trees are hand-selected for their character and resilience. We also offer tailored advice on planting and care.
Explore our collection online or visit us in Norfolk to see our specialist stock. Whether you’re styling a courtyard, adding privacy to a patio or planting a lasting legacy tree, we’re here to help bring Mediterranean magic to your Suffolk garden.
