Your garden is an extension of your home and your personality. You’ll often feel a sense of unease, like something is missing when your garden doesn’t look right—like it doesn’t reflect you!
This isn’t to say it has to look uncluttered and sleek, but rather that it should look, in a way, like you.
That’s why we’re here to share how to assess your garden to pick the best garden layout ideas. Some are rather “wild” while others are best dubbed modern and sleek!
Before Changing Your Garden
Before you start buying furniture and moving things around, there are two factors you must consider:
- Your garden’s available space
- The purpose of this change
When planning your garden’s future, start by measuring the area where you intend to plant, noting the exact dimensions and shape.
Also, pay attention to the contours of the land. Is it flat, sloped, or uneven? The topography of your garden area can influence drainage and soil erosion, which affects plant health.
You should also observe how the sunlight moves across your garden throughout the day. Identify areas that receive full sun, partial sun, or shade.
Finally, ask yourself: What do you want from this garden? If your primary goal is food production, your layout should maximize space for vegetable beds, herb gardens, or fruit trees.
On the other hand, focus on creating flow and harmony in your layout if your garden’s main focus is relaxation and aesthetics.
3 Lovely Garden Layout Ideas
Choosing the right layout can significantly change how plants grow and how enjoyable your garden is to maintain.
So, a small tip, take your time reading the following layout to learn which is best for you:
1 – Square Foot Garden
A square-foot garden is an effective method that helps maximize small spaces by dividing the garden into a grid of square-foot sections.
Each square foot is planted with a specific number of plants, depending on their size and growth habits.
For example, one square foot might contain a single tomato plant or multiple smaller plants like carrots or radishes.
This type of layout is perfect for small gardens, as it lets you grow various plants in a limited area.
Plus, it’s easy to maintain because the defined sections make it simple to manage the garden, with clear boundaries for each plant.
2 – Raised Bed Garden
Raised bed gardens are, in a way, similar to square-foot gardens. You must also section the garden into different segments with raised garden beds.
The difference is that it involves growing plants in soil elevated above ground level, typically in wooden or stone enclosures.
This layout offers several advantages including better soil quality control and more effective drainage than traditional in-ground gardens.
Moreover, the elevation makes gardening more accessible, especially for those with mobility issues, and reduces the need for bending and kneeling too much.
You can lay the beds symmetrically, with numerous paths between them for a formal look. A staggered or curved arrangement can create a more organic feel.
3 – Cottage Garden
This type of layout is for those who love the “wild”, and “nature took over” look.
The characteristics of a cottage garden include informal, densely planted areas that overflow with a mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
This style is charming and productive, combining aesthetics with functionality. The informal, abundant planting of cottage gardens, creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Moreover, the mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables allows for both beauty and utility, making the most of your garden space.
To get this look, plant in layers! Place the taller plants at the back and the shorter ones in front to create a lush appearance.
You can also combine ornamental flowers with herbs and vegetables for a productive and beautiful garden.
Final Thoughts
The best garden layouts aren’t simply what you see online. They’re the ones that bring out the beauty in your garden and complement your house and personality.
Take a look around your garden and assess the space before moving anything in or out. Ask yourself where the sun shines most and least and what you want from this garden.
After answering these questions, you’ll find it’s much easier to pick between a modern look, a cottage look, or a mix of both!
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.