Mediterranean and Italian are two totally different styles of gardens... mediterranean is more of a laidback xeriscaping style, rockgardenish, drought tolerant and a bit tropical looking too... using alot of succulents, euphorbias and seaside plants that thrive in sandy soils... Italian is a more formal 'park like' feel with lots of water fountains, topiary, tall conical shaped evergreens etc. There are actually very few 'flowers' in a traditional Italian garden.. mostly trees, clipped shrubbery, water, and ornate hardscaping...paved walkways, steps, walls, garden statuary etc....and nothing is done on a small scale. blending the two is almost a complete contradiction when it comes to the water... mediterranean conserves and Italian uses it lavishly...
though the fountains do generally recyle the water.
How will you incorporate the Italian aspect? statues? a water fountain? topiary/clipped shrubs? contrasted with the loose casual feel of tropical/mediterranean style might be rather interesting... but rather hard to pull off

I think you might be limited somewhat being in zone 5b, but don't let me discourage you. I'm pushing the envelope myself (click on "My Page" above). I would think some variants of Yuccas and Ferns would have both the subtropical feel and hardiness you're looking for in your garden. I like the idea of a water fountain as a centerpiece. You may want to consider some less hardy plants and plant them in pots and bring them inside during the cold winter.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ferns:

Here's a really nice medditerranean garden in southern Sweden. It's a VERY nice medd garden. The first time i saw it i where totaly sold. I've spent all my summers there and I'm practually raised in la Midi so i know what i'm talking about.
This autum and the coming spring i will transform my garden to be a real "medd garden".
I can't wait!

Here is a link that might be useful: medd garden

dear andreas,the palm trees are lovely.

I don't garden in your climate zone, so can't offer specific advice on what mediterranean plants will be hardy enough for your area. Firstly, Italian gardens are mediterranean climate gardens, so they are simply one form of medit garden. Medit gardens often do use hardier subtropicals for effect, but these will typically need supplemental summer irrigation to get them through the long summer dry season; up to 8 months long here in California, usually at least 6 to 7 months long in most of the Mediterranean proper. Mediterranean gardens will all typically emphasize plants adapted to this winter growing climate with a long summer dormancy period. This tends to favor evergreen trees and shrubs with foliage that is adapted to conserve moisture. As a result, we have lots of plants with waxy small leaves or grey hairy leaves, both protections against moisture loss. Succulents are actually not well represented as native plants in most true mediterranean climates, although there are many South African plants such as Aloes, Ice plants, and Agaves and Sedums from temperate parts of Mexico that are now well represented in Mediterranean climate gardens around the world.

As to a style of Mediterranean garden for your climate, the Italian approach with lots of clipped hedges, a water feature, use of gravel as groundcover, and primarily evergreen trees and shrubs might be easily replicated in your local climate. Perennials such as Lavender, Rosemary and bulbs might be possible in your climate, but many will not take zone 5 conditions. The Italians are famous for growing many more tender classic plants such as Bougainvillea, Citrus, Oleanders, Gardenias, etc in beautiful terra cotta pots, which can be taken into enclosed greenhouses/conservatories for the winter. This may be an option for you as well if you have the room indoors. It would probably be more practical to try locally hardy plants that replicate the look, and will tolerate your mostly full shade conditions. As the typical mediterranean garden is usually associated with full hot sun, shaded areas in the gardens are usually reserved as retreats from the sun, and given over to patios under a grape arbor with a collection of shade tolerant container plants such as clivias, Boston ferns, Cymbidium orchids and the like.

There are plenty of good photo books on Mediterranean gardening and gardens, try looking for some in your local library to get style ideas. Some of the classic plants in almost any true Mediterranean area garden would include Olives, Figs, Almonds, Myrtle, Lavenders, Phlomis, Rosemaries, Oleanders and Cistus, along with Boxwood hedges. In the mildest parts, this would also include Bougainvillea, palms, Aloes, Jasmines, Passion vines, Bird of Paradise/Strelitzia, Proteas and succulents such as Agaves, Beschornerias, Echeverias, etc.