• Rustic terracotta pots are common in Tuscan landscapes.tuscan flower pot image by Bryce Newell from Fotolia.com
  
  Tuscan-inspired landscapes add Mediterranean flair to otherwise bland yards and patios, and can complement a wide range of home designs, from Spanish colonial mansions to modern condos. Additionally, Tuscan landscapes are often very water efficient in homage to their Italian heritage, making the style a perfect choice in desert landscapes or where water availability is a concern. With a few basic design staples, your yard can be a Tuscan-inspired paradise in no time at all.
  
  

Water Features

• A water feature is generally considered a hallmark of a Tuscan-styled landscape, and provides a focal point to work the rest of the design around. This can be as simple as a small, wall-mounted fountain (perfect for smaller yards and patios) or as elaborate as an entire Koi pond and waterfall system. Either way, most classic Tuscan homes feature water in their gardens and courtyards, an element that can get your design process on its way.
  
  

Pottery

• Terracotta pots are another common feature in Tuscan landscapes, and should be set along pathways or flanking entrances and driveways. Select pots that have a rustic, old-world feel to them, with designs that reflect common Tuscan themes. Many landscape supply stores and nurseries have simple Tuscan-ware pots with richly detailed designs depicting olive branches or swags of cloth. Try to select pots in the same general style and finish for the entire yard to add unity to the landscaping.
  
  

Plants

• Classic Tuscan plants are a huge part of what sets Tuscan designs apart. The iconic and symbolic Italian cypress is a terrific example, and hardly an estate, farm or manor house in Tuscany is free from at least a handful of these hardy evergreens lining the drive. Other Tuscan plants include rosemary, basil, sage, olive trees, citrus and grape vine.
  
  

Walkways

• Tuscan gardens and landscapes are meant to be lived in and walked through, so adding paths and seating areas around garden focal points is key to tying the design together. Stone paths made from rustic materials make the most authentic walkways, and you should choose color schemes in the stone that complement the pots and water feature you have selected.