English gardens are picturesque outdoor sanctuaries that conjure feelings of timeless beauty and elegant romance. But how do you capture the essence of an English garden and make it your own? We’ve gathered 9 English garden design ideas to help jumpstart your creative process. So settle in with your spot of tea, and let’s get inspired.
What is an English garden?
English gardens date back to the 1800s when pristine architectural gardens were intended to showcase human dominance over nature. Initially characterized by sharp lines and overly manicured trees, these strict gardens gave way to a new philosophy–– the English garden. English gardens became indistinguishable from nature, with curved lines and bursting biodiversity.
9 English garden design ideas
1. Bursting colorful plants
The stars of your English garden are the flowers. English garden design revolves around color. You may choose a minimalistic color story showcasing various shades of your favorite color, such as all white or gradients of pink. Or you can go nuts with splashes of vibrant reds, purples, and blues.
Place your plants in the flower beds according to height, with smaller plants up front and taller plants graduating in scale behind. Not only does this properly showcase their beauty, but it also ensures your plants receive adequate sunlight.
Pay attention to whether your plants are mounding or climbers to give them the correct habitat and spacing.
Don’t be afraid to mix annuals and perennials. Play with different sizes and textures. Use grasses and hedging to create exciting detail. Let your imagination run wild.
Some common plants found in English gardens are:
- Lavender
- Hollyhock
- Primrose
- Hydrangea
- Rose
- Peonies
- Delphiniums
- Foxglove
- Clematis
2. Meandering path
English gardens are the perfect place for leisurely strolls. So why not lay down a meandering walkway to beautify your home garden? There are various options available, from flagstone to slate. You can also space out pavers and add gravel or mulch for a more naturalistic garden path.
Pathways in your garden not only keep your feet clean but also act as boundaries for your flowerbeds. Additionally, walkways add visual appeal to your garden by creating focal points and highlighting your plants and design elements.
3. Quaint seating area
At the end of your walkway, imagine a romantic seating area. Here’s your chance to literally stop and smell the roses. Your English garden will be a tranquil space, and what’s more inviting than a peaceful place to sit? Don’t forget to bring your favorite Jane Austen novel.
Choose a seating area that blends seamlessly into your garden, or make it a focal point. There are no rules. A rustic bench, a plush outdoor sectional, or a gazebo will take your garden to the next level.
4. A fitting water feature
Your English garden is going to be a feast for the senses. The gorgeous colors, the smooth scent of lavender, the sweet taste of honeysuckle, and the caress of grass beneath your feet. Why not add the soothing sound of running water as a decadent final course?
There are all kinds of fountains at various price points. Solar fountains are also available for areas without electricity. From simple to ornate, chances are you can find a fountain that balances your aesthetic and sound preferences.
5. A reason to look up (climbing plants and trellis)
Noticeably absent from the English garden are hanging potted plants. Try using trellises and climbing plants to bring color and texture off the ground. A floral-covered archway or pergola is the pinnacle of garden romance.
Bougainvillea, purple wisteria vine, and climbing hydrangeas are a few colorful climbers to consider.
6. Tasteful garden ornament
You can personalize your garden by adding a unique ornament. Here’s your chance to show your personality. Seeing your favorite animal or a sentimental memento surrounded by a beautiful garden can bring your vision together.
Choose an ornament that speaks to the overall aesthetic. Is your space peaceful and romantic? Or is it whimsical and bold? Your choice of decoration can amplify the tone.
7. Retaining walls that make a statement
If your garden sits on a slope or if you prefer a more formal aesthetic, retaining walls can be an elegant solution. Retaining walls provide strict borders and height variations that can elevate your landscape from cottage garden to castle garden while providing a great deal of curb appeal.
8. Trimmed hedges with a purpose
On the theme of a more formal look, trimmed hedges are a handsome way to define borders and lure the eye. Even if you don’t have the acreage for a hedge maze or the patience for topiaries, a trimmed hedge can add a level of sophistication to any garden.
Hedges sometimes double as fences in some English gardens. They can provide privacy and security. Thick green hedges are the perfect frame to showcase your artistic pops of color and highlight the nuance of scale in your plants. Boxwood or yew hedges can bring an authentic English style to your outdoor space.
9. A galant gate
Your English garden is going to be the place to be. And nothing says exclusivity like a gate. Here is another opportunity for personalization.
Whether you choose a wooden, wrought iron, or steel gate, your entrance sets the tone for your guests’ experience. Choose a height that matches your garden’s sensibility. Full size? Three-quarters? Half-gate? The right gate can tie your garden together.
FAQ
Initially, formal English gardens were symmetrical. However, this rule has relaxed over time. The 18th-century garden style of sharp edges, staunch geometric shapes, and symmetry has since melded with the far more relaxed cottage garden aesthetic.
Pea gravel is common in English gardens. This gravel is great for drainage and is easy to walk on.
English gardens use mulch for several reasons, including added visual texture, moisture control, and erosion control.
When to call a professional
If you are full of garden ideas but unsure of where to begin, or you need a landscaper to maintain your English garden, connect with a local landscaping professional. To keep your grass and lawn looking regal, connect with a local lawn care professional
Main photo credit: gailhampshire | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
