Dream Spaces: Discover a Secret Garden of Your Own
Unleash your inner child and discover, marvel and explore in your very own secret garden...
I love the idea of a secret garden. Ever since reading the novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and seeing the 1993 film adaption starring Dame Maggie Smith and John Lynch – I’ve been hooked. Many of us, unfortunately, don’t own a Yorkshire manor full of slow-burning intrigue and sprawling green grounds, but we can indulge in our own secret garden scape with a little imagination.
For me, a secret garden needs to have something a bit magical about it – somewhere fairies would feel comfortable, perhaps. It doesn’t need to be somewhere locked away, but ever so slightly hidden by a veil of mystery. A secluded nook, a doorway or pathways leading to beyond are all ways we can incorporate a secret garden into our surrounds. As long as it invites you in to discover what lies beyond – a secret garden can take many shapes and forms, just like these ones here…
For me, a secret garden needs to have something a bit magical about it – somewhere fairies would feel comfortable, perhaps. It doesn’t need to be somewhere locked away, but ever so slightly hidden by a veil of mystery. A secluded nook, a doorway or pathways leading to beyond are all ways we can incorporate a secret garden into our surrounds. As long as it invites you in to discover what lies beyond – a secret garden can take many shapes and forms, just like these ones here…
Adding different coloured foliage and scented flowers, such as jasmine and magnolias, can create an enchanting atmosphere.
For a touch of whimsy and romance, use an archway trellis as the gateway to your garden and adorn with creeping or trailing plants.
Build in defined spaces and secluded sitting areas. If you like the soft touch of carpet underfoot, ground cover is nature’s carpet. It’s soft on the pads and easy on the eyes.
Create a hidden courtyard that can be enjoyed from a room inside the house. The calming addition of a water feature surrounded by formal plantings along with the wall feature give this garden a quiet sophistication.
This formal garden entices you to walk up the stone steps framed by two well-groomed trees and discover what lies beyond.
Inspire exploration by having a defined foreground space, which then leads to other untold hidden treasures along the garden path.
You can even have a secret green haven on your rooftop by using a selection of planters. These customised decorative planters have been specifically grouped and arranged to create a sculptural feel.
A semi-secluded area to relax and read a book is the perfect addition to any secret garden. Make yourself comfortable with a stylish outdoor rug and cushions.
There is nothing like a doorway with a hint of garden glory beyond to convince you to explore. This simple garden fence and doorway is picture perfect.
This formal-style topiary garden is stunningly enclosed with green walls and overlooking trees. The combination of stone and lush topiary hedges is always a successful one.
Create a tranquil Japanese-style garden under your outdoor staircase. Guests will get a surprise when looking down and will no doubt want to get a closer look.
Sometimes, letting your garden grow a little on the wild side can be just as delightful as having it trimmed to perfection. This overgrown archway and large garden gate gives you a hint at what lies ahead.
Now this garden looks like something out of a Jane Austen novel. The high stone walls allows for privacy and keeps out garden pests. The bridge and rockscape is an inspired touch and breaks up the expanse of lawn.
The beauty of a secret garden is that it can be placed in the most unexpected of places. This secret garden nook takes advantage of an old ladder and embellishes with elegant green hanging features.
The old stone walls that shield this garden from the outside world provide an attractive backdrop to the greenscape as well as a barrier from outside intrusions.
Create pathways framed with hedges and bushes that lead to a quiet spot for thought and reflection.