The English garden stands out from other types of landscaping because of its elegance and vegetation. This type of landscaping was very popular during the Renaissance period in England, from the 17th to the 18th century, hence the origin of its name.
Conceived at the time as a natural landscape, the English garden can be recognized by its abundant greenery and wide variety of plants. The vegetation, colours, heights and scents make it a clean and artistic green space! One of the advantages is that it can be maintained throughout the year. Yes, with a lot of care, your beautiful green space will be able to resist the harsh winters!
Find out in this article how you can turn your yard into an English garden, where you’ll love to spend your summer days!
Several factors must be taken into consideration in order to make your English garden a success. Among others, you must pay particular attention to the choice of plants and their arrangement to ensure a harmonious and aesthetic final result!
To achieve an English garden worthy of the name, you must be bold! No more colour schemes, no more monochromatic groves and no more symmetry. Your design must be filled with botanical surprises. Here are some essential elements to include into your planning.
Although it may seem obvious, the lawn is essential. Along with plants and flowers, grass is a decorative element that should not be neglected. It must be maintained with care, and attention to detail in order to respect the natural appearance of your green space. Therefore, you will have to mow and weed regularly the most used part of your garden, while the other areas are less urgent, but not less important.
Rattan, bamboo, wood, steel, wrought iron… These are all materials to be favoured when furnishing an English garden. Installed in strategic locations, benches are ideal for taking the time to observe the scenery around you. Small statues can also enhance your environment, giving the impression that they have been placed randomly.
Located at the edge of the pathways, flower beds provide division and order. They are the secret to the success of this type of landscaping. However, a good knowledge of the plants, their colours and their flowering phase is essential so that the beds evolve in harmony, giving to your garden a natural result.
Why not enhance your area with a water garden? It will create an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. However, it will have to be designed in a way that respects nature. Your pond can also contain a few plants, including water lilies or floating plants. To keep up with the trend, make sure it has an irregular shape and depth.
If you choose an English garden, you will have the choice between many plants. You shouldn’t hesitate to mix plants and colours, because the diversity will form a natural effect. That being said, make sure that your plants have a constant and diversified bloom. Here are some plant recommendations to create the perfect English-inspired atmosphere for you:
Roses: Most emblematic plant of English gardens, the rose brings romance and delicacy to your project. Several varieties of roses exist, but double-flowered roses with soft hues are highly recommended.
Hostas: The English garden is ideal for Hostas and other evergreens. With a good life expectancy, their oval or cordate shaped leaves add dimension while offering interesting blooms in the form of white or purple bells.
Perennials: To add depth, height and structure to your garden beds, choose perennials. They will flourish year after year in your landscaping and flowerbeds.
Climbing plants: Why not add some climbing plants to your English garden? They will give an elegant look and add height. There exists a wide variety of them in all shapes and colours!
The secret to a beautiful and picturesque environment? A garden that looks natural, but that is very well done. It requires careful planning and maintenance to maintain its natural beauty. This is why an English garden is not for everyone! You have to be bold, a perfectionist, and above all, ready to give it love.
Plants and vegetation change every season in an English garden. It requires attention at all times of the year, whether it is to feed, water, defrost, or trim the plants that compose the garden.
The countless paths used for walking in all the corners of the area also require maintenance. Indeed, they must be maintained in order to preserve the romantic air they bring to the garden. Weeds must be removed and the grass must be mowed regularly. You can also consider several types of natural stones to create paths that will require less maintenance.
Are you now convinced that you want an English garden? Although they require time and attention, you are sure to create a poetic and elegant environment. The endless choices of plants and flowers will allow you to put your personal touch and make your yard a peaceful environment that reflects your image.
Find out how a professional team can work with you to develop the structure of your English garden.