Creating a private, secret garden at home offers a personal sanctuary to escape to without leaving your house. Whether you want a peaceful retreat or a calming escape to enjoy a meal with friends, this type of space is within reach. Here are some ways to create your secret garden in your backyard.
Choose the right location
To create a private hideaway, select a quiet corner of your yard that receives the sunlight your chosen plants require. Look for areas that have existing trees, fences, or walls to maximize privacy. If your backyard lacks a defined secluded space, work with a trusted landscaper to plant a blend of mature trees and hedges.
Define the space
Every secret garden should feel hidden, private, and enclosed. Natural or artificial barriers will create a sense of privacy that will be the foundation of the space. Here are some examples of barriers that will define the space:
- Hedges and shrubs: Boxwood, arborvitae, or holly create dense, living walls.
- Fences and trellises: Wooden or metal fencing or lattice panels covered in climbing vines are beautiful ways to create privacy.
- Pergolas and arbors: Overhead structures with flowering vines like wisteria or jasmine can create a private yet whimsical feel.
Create pathways
A meandering pathway can add to the experience of entering the secret garden. To create this enchanting pathway, consider materials such as:
- Stepping stones
- Gravel or crushed rock
- Brick or flagstone
Once you create the path, line it with ferns, lavender, or hostas, which to create a lush, organic feel.
Layer the plantings
Layering plants of different heights will ensure the garden has the proper sense of scale, making the enclosed area feel layered and visually soothing. In addition to the size of the plants, the colors and scents will all contribute to the serene atmosphere you’re creating. The layering plan should include a mixture of the following plant sizes:
- Tall trees and shrubs for overhead coverage and a sense of enclosure.
- Mid-height perennials and bushes like hydrangeas and ferns for texture.
- Low-growing ground covers like moss or creeping thyme to soften pathways.
Include comfortable seating
Every secret garden has a place to sit, contemplate, relax, dine, and unwind. Some seating options to consider include:
- A weatherproof bench tucked into a corner to soak in your surroundings.
- A hammock for enjoying an afternoon nap in the fresh air
- Adirondack chairs or a small bistro set for reading, working, or catching up with a friend
Incorporate soft lighting
Adding soft lighting to the space will create a magical area you can use well into the evening. Soft and warm lighting will transform this space into a backyard wonderland, from cocktails at dusk to an enchanted dinner under the stars. Here are some types of lighting to consider:
- Solar-powered lanterns along pathways
- String lights draped across trees or trellises
- LED candles for a flickering, cozy glow
- Hidden spotlights to highlight plants or other architectural details.
Carving out a space and cultivating this garden will transform your area into a place to soak in the quiet and ambiance of the outdoors.
