Madonna's '90s Mediterranean-inspired Garden is a Study in Elevated Privacy Planting
Privacy planting doesn't have to be simplistic – the singer's Spanish-style home Los Angeles home was the blueprint for making it beautiful
Privacy planting can be more than just oversized hedges. Whatever your favorite garden style, it's possible to use the plants in a layered manner to create a green wall, from English country to French-inspired looks.
Mediterranean gardens have been one of the trendiest looks of 2026, but long before we were coveting the style on our Instagram feeds, Madonna was already tapping in.
Archival images of the Hollywood Hills home she lived in between 1996 and 2000 show a Spanish-style home adorned with plants perfect for an arid climate. Sky-reaching bushes and trees provide privacy, while small red flowers at the gate create a sense of ambiance.
The front of the house that Madonna lived in between 1996 and 2000
The method of planting for privacy at Madonna's former home is effective because it combines design principles of layering with seclusion.
To explore this striking combination, Homes & Gardens began by curating an edit of the best plants and tools for creating your own Mediterranean privacy look, inspired by the planting in Madonna's garden. Then, we spoke with experts about how they recommend bringing the style to any backyard.
Shop The Mediterranean Privacy Planting Edit
These beautiful purple and green flowers are a classic for romantic privacy planting. They would look beautiful tracing up the front of a home for an instant storybook finish, and instantly make any front yard feel like it's in the med.
Beautiful red flowers with green leaves are a classic combination, and these plants can be found all throughout the Mediterranean region. They're perfect if you want to add florals without massively changing the look of your yard.
Good privacy planting requires a balance of pruning and letting it grow, and these shears allow you to be ready when anything gets too long. They're the top pick among our garden editors.
They may be English, but these boxwoods are the staple of any privacy design. When paired with other Mediterranean plants, the contrast is delicious.
This premium windmill palm tree is carefully grown and shipped by experienced nursery professionals to ensure top quality. Cold-hardy and adaptable, it thrives in USDA zones 7-11, making it a versatile choice for many climates.
Madonna brings terracotta into her design with the roof, but for those who live in other home styles, never fear. A clay pot brings this storied feel to your yard instantly.
To recreate Madonna's look, start by considering low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants. These varieties will be easy to care for and give that effortless look.
Emily Green, garden maintenance expert at Howarth Timber, states: 'Plants are essential to achieving an authentic Mediterranean feel. Drought-tolerant varieties with silvery foliage, aromatic scents and vibrant blooms add color, texture and character while thriving in sunny spots.'
If you want to turn your privacy planting Mediterranean, it's also essential that you add a bit of brick red clay. Pots are the easiest way to accomplish this.
'Terracotta pots are synonymous with Mediterranean gardens and offer an easy way to introduce warmth and character,' advises Emily. 'Grouping pots of varying sizes together also creates visual interest, while greenery softens hard landscaping and delivers a more welcoming look.'
An aerial view of the house that Madonna lived in between 1996 and 2000
As aerial photos of Madonna's '90s home demonstrate, you can use this look on every part of your green space, including the backyard. We prefer a setup that keeps the space secluded while making it easy to entertain.
Mia Slawson, an in-house garden buyer at Laura James, advises: 'An olive tree (real or faux), festoon lights, and a few well-placed candles or portable lamps do the rest of the work once the sun goes down. Cluster lighting at varying heights, festoon overhead, lanterns at ground level, candles at table height, to create depth rather than one flat wash of light. Olive and citrus trees in oversized terracotta pots are particularly effective near seating areas, as they bring height and structure without blocking sightlines across the garden.'
Plants are the easiest way to simultaneously elevate and privatize the outside of your home. Looking to celebrities who crave an escape from the busy world but also want to live in beautiful spaces is a great place to start for inspiration.
Love celebrity news and interior design inspiration? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
