“Fancy a cuppa while admiring the floral masterpieces of an English garden?”
Ahh, well, when it comes to garden style, good ol’ Blighty is known for its romantic, elegant and lush space. Distinguished by its absence of traditional symmetry but for its presence of incredible architecture and reconnecting-with-nature elements, nature lovers would just love to create the illusion of an English environment in their garden.
#1. Aim For Plenty of Variety
There are no two ways about it: if you want to create exactly the same style of gardening that was born around the 1800s in the United Kingdom, then you have to go for a maximum of plants in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures – tall plants, short ones, pink flowers, white flowers – that will spread over walkways, climb up arbors and flare up from planters.
Back then, British people turned a blind eye to spacing rules and used every bit of growing space.
More and more is nice, however, be careful and make sure all the plants have access to sunlight, are watered on a regular basis and are not too crowded.
#2. Consider Meandering Paths
Be honest with me: Don’t you feel bewitched when you wander down a garden walkway, completely charmed with the surrounding nature?
This charming sense of mystery has the potential to set a romantic tone in your garden.
If you go back to the origins, you’d find that the English garden style was created in the midst of the Romantic era. An artistic movement starting at the end of the 18th century, it did not only promote the concept of human freedom and appreciation for literature and art, but medieval romance also prevailed during that era.
So, if you want to add that romantic edge, serpentine pathways are the only things that create that type of vibe.
In the process, you are also offering yourself the luxury of an easy route in and out of the space.
#3. Add a Gate
There’s no rule that says a gate is compulsory, but it’s really hard to banish the thought of a lovely grapevine climbing and curling around a rustic wooden gate. Or better, autumn clematis climbing across the top of a white garden gate. You can’t have more elegant and romantic than this, isn’t it?
Well, if you have an eye for design that doesn’t just stop with the indoors and you want to set that truly magical English tone for your outdoor space, I’d recommend adding that huge visual element.
#4. Incorporate Seating
Everyone knows how the Brits love the seating and take in all the natural beauty around them with a nice cup of tea.
British people like to think that gardens possess a magical vibe that’s meant to be enjoyed and savored. And, they are not wrong at all!
Indeed, what’s the use of creating a truly gorgeous outdoor space if you cannot have a sitting area to enjoy its lush beauty?
Whether you want to have a sunbath or share breakfast with your family, here are some ideas you can explore for a garden seating arrangement:
- I’ll start with the latest trend by bringing indoors outdoors with sofas in the garden.
- A more trad option consists of comfy chairs around a coffee table.
- A cozy yet strong hammock for a lazy Sunday afternoon feels great.
- Hanging chairs are also very fashionable. There’s nothing more idyllic than swinging in your chair while reading one of Agatha Christie’s mysteries.
- A lounger also makes a wonderful outdoor seating option.
- Of course, you can never beat a garden beach. And, it’s up to you if you want to go for the contemporary feel.
#5. Wooden Elements
You’ll often notice how wood is the leading material in most English gardens.
Again, it’s not compulsory, but if you really want to grow the perfect English garden, you can integrate a closed pergola, wooden garden chairs or benches or a wooden garden furniture set itself.
If you ask me, where did I get the inspiration for these English Garden Design ideas, I’d say from my neighbors (who have real English accents, by the way). Their garden has always been in one of my favorite childhood memories. Honestly, I’ve learned these few tricks only by observing but now it’s up to you to immerse yourself in the creation of that garden.