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The English Garden: 8 Core Attributes

February 19, 2023

8 Elements that define the English Garden

The English garden is a beloved style of landscaping for many. With its natural and formal elements, it is a beautiful way to bring a little of the English countryside into your own home. Here are eight characteristics of the typical Brit garden:

  • Colorful Plantings – An English garden is filled with bright and vibrant flowers and foliage, often featuring a variety of colors, textures, and heights. The colorful plantings help create a lively and inviting atmosphere.
  • Structured Plantings– An English garden is often structured, with planned pathways, beds, and walkways. This structure adds a sense of formality to the garden, while still allowing for plenty of room for creativity.
  • Hedges – Hedges are a common feature in English gardens. Not only do they add structure and formality, they also bring height and depth to the garden.
english garden characteristics
Hedges, paths and color in an English Garden
  • Topiary – Topiary, or trees and shrubs trimmed in decorative shapes, is a popular feature of English gardens. These topiary pieces can be anything from trees trimmed into geometric shapes to animals and other figures.
  • Water Features – Water features, such as fountains and ponds, are common features . These features often add a calming and soothing atmosphere to the garden.
  • Stone Walls – Stone walls are a classic element of all gardens, often used to separate different areas of the garden.
  • Statues and Ornaments – Statues, ornaments, and other decorative pieces are also a common feature of English gardens. These pieces can be used to create focal points and add a unique character to the garden.
  • Seating Areas – Seating areas, such as benches and chairs, are a great way to enjoy the garden and relax. These areas provide the perfect spot for entertaining friends or simply enjoying the beauty of the garden.

The garden is a timeless style of landscaping that can bring a little of the English countryside into your own home. With its colorful plantings, structured plantings, hedges, topiary, water features, stone walls, statues, ornaments, and seating areas, the garden is a beautiful way to create an inviting and tranquil environment.

More Links:

RHS English Garden Images