THE CLASSIC ELEMENTS OF A TRADITIONAL ENGLISH GARDEN

Beautiful and iconic, English gardens offer you a great way to make a bold statement and celebrate your joy of gardening. If you’re planning an overhaul of your backyard landscaping near Westchester County and like the look of English gardens, then keep reading to discover the classic elements of this type of landscape design.

Symmetry and Paths

In many cases, it’s a garden design’s shapes that give it a classic English look. These shapes are created using features like hardscaping paths, retaining walls, flower beds, and hedges. To achieve the appearance of a neatly structured English country garden, create symmetrical designs using either curves, straight lines, or a combination of both. If you have something wilder in mind, then use winding paths to establish the English cottage garden look.

Perennials and Annuals

When it comes to plantings for a traditional English garden, you can start by focusing on perennials. Some of the most popular options for this type of landscape design include lupine, veronica, hydrangea, hibiscus, and bee balm. As for annuals, cosmos, marigolds, daisies, and zinnias are good choices. If you love the look of a wild and rustic cottage garden, then consider planting an abundance of wildflowers, as well. When choosing your plants, think about how you can combine different varieties to make bold statements and bring together contrasting hues, and consider using shrubs to define different areas of the garden. Finally, don’t forget to plant plenty of roses.

Entryways and Edibles

In addition to the garden’s layout and plantings, there are a few more things you can add to give your new backyard landscaping the appearance of a traditional English garden. First, create inviting entryways using structures like picket fences and gates, vine-covered arbors, and arches overgrown with roses. Second, consider including a kitchen garden filled with herbs and edibles like mint, rosemary, lettuce, and beans. Lastly, be sure to incorporate a quiet place to sit and relax within your traditional English garden.