The Keys to Creating a Secret Garden

Just imagine: a place that’s all yours. Where you can rejuvenate, reconnect with nature and share intimate moments with friends. Sounds pretty wonderful, right?

Secret gardens are magical little oases that can have a majorly calming effect on the soul.

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own secret garden, we’re going to break down the four essential elements you need for a super special space.

Yes! That’s it—just four elements. Ready? Here they are:

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An Intriguing Entrance

Do you know the saying, “do what you can with what you have”? That’s how we want you to approach the design of your new secret garden. Sure, there are complicated ways to create a special entrance, like rustic gates or repurposed doors with glistening stained-glass windows.

And if you can find something fancy like that, great.

But don’t let unrealistic ideas stop you from creating your own private getaway garden.

You absolutely can create an attractive entrance simply and affordably. Try using lattice, a wooden archway or even two tall planters that act like sentinels. The most important thing is that your entrance be inviting and intriguing. Try keeping part of the garden a little hidden, so that visitors feel called to wander through the entrance and explore.

 

Secluded Space

This photograph, with its vintage furniture and elegant flower arrangement has such a touch of romance. More importantly, the table settings appear to be “tucked away” into the plants.

If you can create some sort of a secluded space in your own garden, then you’ll really give it that secretive feel. Grab a bench, a three-piece furniture set or a couple comfy outdoor chairs and find the perfect place for them.

If the layout of your garden or yard doesn’t naturally have a secluded area, you can create the illusion of privacy with tall shrubs in planters or a small lattice wall.

 

Natural Foliage

What about the plants and flowers?

They should all be described by one word: wild.

Accomplish the unkempt look with imperfect plantings of native and seasonal options. Depending on your location, this could be anything from poppies and lavender to rhododendron and black maple.

If you want to incorporate some container gardening in this creative space, try containers that are large and wide. Fill them with just one or two species each, so as to not give off an overly curated or manicured feel.

 

A Fantasy Element

Now for the fun part! It’s time to accessorize your garden, and give homage to the inspiration for your special place. Here are some ideas:

• Fairy lights
• Colorful lanterns
• Decorative iron keys
• Unique fountains
• Vintage mirrors
• Repurposed windows and doors
• Glowing garden orbs

 

It’s time to head to your favorite thrift store or a quirky shop in your area and see what oddities you can find. Fairies, gnomes, or keys…it’s all fair game. Let your imagination run wild!

Here are some awesome DIY ideas to inspire you.

This tea kettle and tea cup fountain:

 

This fantastical, literary wooden sign:

 

It’s time to turn the secret garden of your dreams into a reality. It just takes four “keys”!

• intriguing entrance
• secluded seating
• wild plants
• fantasy décor

With these four elements, creating your secret garden is far easier than you probably imagined it to be. What do you think is a must-have in a secret garden? Let us know in the comments below.