Josh | August 20, 2014 | 0 Comments
Walled gardens have an undeniable charm that has captivated people for centuries. There’s just something enchanting and magical about passing through the gates, and then finding yourself surrounded by the gorgeous flora in every direction. It feels like a romantic little corner of paradise, tucked away from all the troubles of the world.
Little surprise then, that you can find many large and historic walled gardens all over the United Kingdom. One such garden is the royal kitchen garden at Windsor, originally built for Queen Victoria in 1844. Of course, there’s no need to compete with royalty when you’re designing one for your home. It’s perfectly possible to build a breathtakingly beautiful garden without needing the help of over a hundred gardeners to maintain it.
Here are some tips to start you off with creating your very own secret garden.
1. Make the walls special – Traditional stone and brick walls are the overwhelmingly popular options for garden walls, and it might be difficult to find something that works just as well. But don’t do the boring and oppressive-looking square or rectangular walls that just about every other garden has; instead, be liberal with curves and craft a one-of-a-kind enclosure.
If privacy is not much of an issue, you can add windows to create a slightly more open atmosphere. Many homeowners take things one step further by covering the walls with vines and other plants, making them a part of the garden as well.
2. Don’t underestimate the entrance – Consider using a moon gate arch for the main entrance to create a hospitable look, while framing the garden excellently. Or, go for a relatively small door that blends in well with the surroundings, making it feel more like a hidden garden just for you and whoever you decide to share it with.
3. Consider adding ornaments – Fountains, statues, and other tasteful and classy ornaments can reinforce your garden’s image as a paradise away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. These are a bit pricey, but are well worth it.
4. Have a place to sit – Walking through the garden is a wonderful experience, but there are times when you or a guest will simply want to sit down and admire the landscaping from a comfortable spot. Place the sitting area somewhere shaded, and protected from strong winds. Make sure that the chairs are weatherproof as well.
Oakleigh Manor has extensive experience in designing and landscaping for walled gardens, and we can help you through the hard parts. Give us a call today, and we’ll talk about making your dream garden come true.
