7 Ways To Elevate Your Garden Design
Spring is finally here and it could not come fast enough.
I don’t know about you but I am discouraged staring at brown grass and dog poop valley. It’s time to bring in the ‘wow factor’ to my garden design.
Lets talk about 7 ways to up your garden game.
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Hardscape
Hardscape is the backbone of your garden space. It helps give the space direction and interest. It is your ride-or-die in the garden. Rain or shine. Spring, summer, fall, and winter you can count on these structures to be there.
When thinking of hardscape think of walkways, patios, arbors, fences, benches, statues, etc. These elements will break up the vegetation and draw your eye around the landscape. They will carry your landscape in winter months especially if you live in a colder climate when most of the vegetation is gone and snow is flying.
Here are some ideas for hardscapes:
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Garden hardscapes are also a great way to give your garden personality. You can add whatever materials and garden art you love.
Pro tip: Size up your yard decorations. Large statues, benches, bistro sets, and arbors are great additions. If you fill your yard with a dozen little gnomes it will look messy and cluttered. This does not mean gnomes are off limits just tuck them in for a fun surprise. Do not make them the main attraction.
Winding Path and Vistas
The most magical gardens are those with mystery.
When designing your garden think of it as if you are seeing it for the first time. Windy paths will keep your guest guessing what is around the corner. This engages them while they explore your space. The picture above encourages you down this winding pathway leading you to an open area. Naturally, you would want to know what is beyond that. It sparks your curiousity drawing you in.
Vistas also have the same effect. You can accomplish a vista by placing a eye-catching plant, fountain, seating area, view, or statue at the end of a pathway. To enhance the anesthetics use plantings to frame the area highlighting the focal point.
Water Feature
Water features feel luxurious in any space, big or small. The sound of running water will drown out background noise. This is especially helpful in town where it seems impossible to escape the hustle and bustle.
In addition, fountains offer year long interest even if you need to turn it off during cold months.
You can DIY an urn to a beautiful cascading fountain. Water spills over the sides of the pot into a basin under ground level. Then cover the basin with rocks.
You can use a birdbath and put a solar powered fountain pump in it. Affordable and practical. Win-win!
Alternatively, you can purchase a fountain from your local garden center or online.
Here are some great options for fountains:
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Garden Rooms
The most powerful tip in garden design is creating rooms.
In many homes, you can see the whole landscape from the back porch. The yard is a square or rectangle. The fence line/ property line may have flower beds lining it. Typically there is a patio with furniture and a BBQ. Classic but basic.
To improve this look contour the flower beds to create alcoves and hidden pockets in your garden. Tuck a bistro set or bench under a tree away from the house. Have a densely planted walkway leading to a secluded seating area.
Designate separate areas in your space for different activities. For example; an area for dining, another for lounging and cooking. You can accomplish separating the areas with vegetation such as a hedge of boxwood, privet or laurel for a visual barrier.
See The Art of Outdoor Living for amazing inspiration on such designs. Plus it makes for a wonderful coffee table book.
Lighting
Lightening is an underrated garden feature. Gardens in the day are full of life and vibrant colors but nothing compares to the magic ambiance of a garden on a late summer night.
String lights, tree lights, lanterns, and solar lights are garden essentials. Lighting has come a long way. If you have no power source it is no problem anymore. Recently, we purchased patio lights for our gazebo that were 100% solar-powered. Game changer!
Don’t underestimate the power of low light at night. The atmosphere becomes romantic and intimate. This makes your garden a perfect date night location or gathering place for your family and friends.
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Warmth
Add warmth in multiple ways.
You want your space to be welcoming. A fire pit will help create a place to gather and provide warmth. The fire illuminates the area and invites guests to sit and stay. A fire pit can be simple by purchasing a fire ring and using pavers around it to create a pit. You could also purchase one as well.
I love this one!
Consider adding warmth through other additions like textiles. Think blankets and pillows. Who doesn’t like snuggling up next to a fire wrapped in a cozy blanket?
Plant with purpose
Last, have an intention for your garden.
How do you want to use the area? Will you be entertaining often? Do you want a private space that feels isolated from the world?
How do you know your style? The best way to determine your style is to look inside your home.
What style is the decor? Vibe check.
You want the inside and outside of your home to complement each other. After identifying your style look on Pinterest, YouTube or images of other gardens. Pick apart the photos and decide what it is about those gardens that you love. Then draft up a plan.
How do you want the area to look?
Densely planted blooming flowers and herbs give the garden a cottage style. Tightly trimmed boxwood hedges create an English-style garden. For a modern feel pair hedges with sharp-lined hardscapes. To develop significant impacts use drifts and repeat plantings for cohesion.
My hope is this article acts as a launching pad for you to elevate your outdoor living spaces. Your yard is an extension of your home. One should love every inch of the place they spend most of their life.
Happy gardening!