An English country garden is comprised of a variety of flowers and colors.
English country gardens evoke a feeling of romance and tranquility. They burst with drifts of multi-colored blooms and the scent of roses floats on the breeze. Informal seating areas form outdoor rooms. But, while English country gardens may look somewhat wild and haphazard, they require planning and maintenance to preserve their beauty. Does this Spark an idea?
Structures
Gazebos shaded by trailing vines offer a quiet, romantic setting to enjoy your quiet, colorful country garden. A rustic pergola constructed of grape vines and furnished with comfortable lounge chairs becomes an open air room. Birdhouses scattered across the landscape assure you of cheerful birdsong as you enjoy working in the garden.
Pathways
In an English country garden the paths meander from one place to the next, sometimes widening into small seating areas where you can observe wild life and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while surrounded by a variety of flowers, herbs, trees and bushes. Slate and brick are two popular choices for these paths but gravel, river rock or wood chips work, too.
Furniture
Put a wrought iron bistro table with matching chairs in one of the small patios formed by the widening paths. It is the perfect place for morning coffee or a light lunch. Furniture crafted from grapevines lends a graceful touch to the seating area in a pergola. Furnish a gazebo with whitewashed or green wicker furniture. Situate gracefully curved concrete benches in a circle surrounding a water fountain or coy pond.
Plantings
Strive for a variety of plants in your garden. Include both annuals and perennials. Incorporate herbs and vegetables. Plant fruit trees both for their blossoms and their bounty. Choose a soft palette highlighted with brightly colored plantings scattered throughout.
English country gardens appear informal, even wild, but they are actually quite well planned. Plant placement is important. Border the paths with shorter plants like marigolds, impatience, and pansies and ground covers like creeping rosemary and English ivy. Behind them plant pockets of taller plants like a variety of lilies, daisies, lupine and tulips. Back these with flowering bushes like lilacs, hydrangeas, peonies and rhododendron. Add pockets of shrubbery for depth and greenery. Boxwood and holly work well for this.
Herbs add interest, color and scent as well as practicality. Plant basil, parsley and rosemary by your back door for everyday use. Border the gazebo with lavender and scented thyme and enjoy their fragrance.
Vegetables are often part of an English country garden. Separate them from the rest of the landscape with a white picket fence or spread them out among the other plantings. Cucumbers and zucchinis can trail along a slate pathway backed by staked tomato plants standing tall. Border a vegetable garden with cosmos, Shasta daisies and zinnias for cutting.
Climbing plants are integral to an English garden. Climbing roses, trumpet vines, and wisteria are popular choices. They create shade when allowed to trail over pergolas. Use climbing plants to disguise eyesores like chain link fences. Create a romantic entrance for your garden by installing an archway covered in climbing roses.
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