15 Garden Types: Inspiration to Find the Best Garden Style

Need some garden inspiration? Gardens have many styles, each type has unique characteristics and benefits. These garden types are often influenced by cultural, historical, and environmental factors.

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What is Your Garden Style or Favorite Garden Types?

Explore some of the most popular garden styles and create a garden that suits your preferences and needs.

Whether you’re looking for a formal garden, an informal garden or a little bit of everything below are some of the most popular garden types, their features and benefits.

15 Garden Styles: Which One Resonates?

Whether you’re looking for a formal garden, an informal garden or a little bit of everything below are some of the most popular garden styles.

1. Cottage Garden

If you like the informal wild look your gardening style might just be a cottage garden.

Characteristics: Cottage gardens are informal and charming, with a mix of flowers, herbs, and often vegetables. They are often densely planted and can appear somewhat wild.
Benefits: Cottage gardens have a rustic and nostalgic appeal. They attract pollinators and provide a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. These gardens are well-suited for those who enjoy a slightly untamed, colorful landscape.
Flowers: Asters, pincushion, bachelor button, johnny jump up violas, and dahlias

2. Desert Garden

It makes practical sense to choose plants that are native to your location. If you live in the southwest, a desert garden saves water and is absolutely beautiful especially in the spring time. If you’re looking for a southwestern feel to your yard there are so many cactus and succulents to choose from.

Desert gardens feature cacti, succulents, and other drought-resistant plants. Many of these arid plants feature gorgeous flowers emphasizing the beauty of the desert flora.

A desert garden requires minimum water and maintenance, so if you live in an area with little rain a desert garden is an easy choice.

3. Edible Food Paradise Garden

An edible garden is a food paradise in your backyard. Create a garden bed with vegetables, herbs and edible flowers.

Characteristics: Edible food gardens feature vegetables, herbs, fruits, and edible flowers.
Benefits: These gardens provide fresh food, and attract pollinators.

4. English Garden

If you’re looking for a more formal garden style take a look at an English garden.

Characteristics: English gardens are known for their lush, romantic, and informal designs. They often include meandering pathways, climbing roses, and mixed borders.
Benefits: English gardens have a timeless charm and appeal to those who appreciate a profusion of colors and textures. They are great for attracting wildlife and creating a sense of natural beauty.

5. Formal Garden

Characteristics: Formal gardens are known for their symmetrical layout, geometric shapes, and well-defined lines. They often feature hedges, topiaries, and precisely trimmed plants.
Benefits: Formal gardens exude elegance and order. They are ideal for those who appreciate a sense of structure and balance in their outdoor space. These gardens are perfect for hosting formal events and provide a tranquil atmosphere for contemplation.

6. Japanese Garden

Characteristics: Japanese gardens are designed to create a sense of harmony and tranquility. They typically feature elements like water, rocks, bridges, and carefully placed plants.
Benefits: Japanese gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. They encourage meditation and contemplation, making them ideal for reducing stress and promoting mindfulness.

7. Mediterranean Gardens

Characteristics: Mediterranean gardens feature drought-tolerant plants, such as lavender, rosemary, and olive trees. They often incorporate terracotta pots and rustic elements.
Benefits: These gardens are low-maintenance and conserve water, making them perfect for regions with hot, dry climates. They exude a sense of warmth and relaxation, reminiscent of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

8. Modern Garden

Maybe you like the modern look? Modern garden style

Characteristics: Modern gardens are characterized by clean lines, minimalistic design, and the use of materials like concrete and steel. They often feature architectural plants.
Benefits: Modern gardens have a sleek and contemporary feel, appealing to individuals who appreciate minimalist aesthetics. They’re low-maintenance and can suit urban environments well.

9. Moon Garden

Plants by the light of the moon. A moon garden is a delight for the senses and shimmers under the moonlight.

Characteristics: A moon garden incorporates plants that are fragrant and flowers that are white or light in color so the moon can easily reflect off of them.

Benefits: A moon garden is one for the senses, this fragrant garden

10. Perennial Garden

Characteristics: Perennial gardens focus on long-lasting plants that return year after year. They often incorporate a mix of colors and heights for continuous bloom.
Benefits: These gardens require less replanting and provide year-round interest. They are suitable for gardeners who want to enjoy a colorful landscape without frequent replanting.

11. Secret Garden

Who wouldn’t want a secret garden? There is something magical about them. Even if you have a small space you can add the elements of a secret garden.

Secret gardens are mysterious and hidden magical places featuring vines, flowers, trees, shrubs, fruits and vegetables. An alluring entrance and secluded space are the keys to a secret garden.

Benefits: They create a sense of magic and relaxation as a private oasis in your yard

12. Tropical Garden

Tropical gardens are popular around a pool.

Characteristics: Tropical gardens are lush, vibrant, and exotic, featuring plants like palm trees, orchids, and hibiscus. They often include water features and bold foliage.
Benefits: Tropical gardens create a sense of paradise in your backyard, evoking feelings of relaxation and escape. They thrive in warm, humid climates and can transport you to a tropical destination.

13. Water Garden

Are you looking for a unique relaxing garden? You may be interested in creating a water garden. A water garden can be large like plants in a pond or it can be small in a container water garden.

Characteristics: A water garden has aquatic plants such as water lilies or water irises, floating plants or completely submerged plants. Depending on the size of your water garden you might include fish or snails.

Benefits: Water gardens are tranquil and promote relaxation. They may attract wildlife.

14. Wildlife & Pollinator Garden

Do you want to attract butterflies to your yard? If so you’re not alone, as we spend more time outdoors many of us also enjoy watching the bees, butterflies and birds and want to attract them to our yards. How to Create a Butterfly Garden

Characteristics: Wildlife and pollinator gardens are designed to attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. They include native plants, bird feeders, and water sources.
Benefits: These gardens support local biodiversity and provide a front-row seat to the wonders of nature. They’re perfect for nature enthusiasts and those who want to make a positive impact on their local ecosystem.
Tips on how to attract butterflies to your garden and plants hummingbirds love.

15. Xeriscape Garden

Characteristics: Xeriscape gardens emphasize water conservation and typically feature native, drought-tolerant plants. They use mulch and efficient irrigation techniques.
Benefits: Xeriscape gardens are environmentally friendly and cost-effective, reducing water bills and conserving resources. They’re well-suited for regions with water restrictions.

Garden Types

Choosing a garden style depends on your personal preferences, local climate, and the amount of time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintenance.

Each garden styles offers unique advantages, whether it’s creating a peaceful oasis, conserving water, supporting wildlife, or simply beautifying your outdoor space. By understanding the characteristics and benefits of these different garden styles, you can make an informed decision and create a garden that suits your lifestyle and tastes.

What is your Garden Style?

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