Cultivating an Oasis of Enchantment: My Journey to Creating a Dreamy English Garden

As I step outside onto my patio, the gentle breeze carries the intoxicating scent of freshly blooming flowers, and I’m instantly transported to a whimsical English countryside. This verdant oasis I’ve curated over the years has become my own private sanctuary – a place where I can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse myself in the beauty of nature.

You see, three years ago, my husband and I moved into this house with a sloping dirt lot behind it and a vision to transform it into a romantic English garden. It was no easy feat, I’ll admit, but with the help of an expert landscape designer and a lot of elbow grease, we’ve managed to create a little piece of heaven right in our own backyard.

Designing the Dreamscape

When we first started this project, the blank canvas of our backyard seemed daunting, to say the least. It was just a barren slope of dirt – no landscaping, no pool, not even a single flower in sight. But I had this distinct image in my mind of the lush, enchanting English garden I wanted to create, and I was determined to make it a reality.

I spent hours scouring Pinterest, compiling a virtual mood board of the elements I wanted to incorporate – cascading flowers spilling over stone pathways, a serene pool nestled in a sea of verdant grass, and rustic, charming outbuildings that would transport me to the English countryside. Armed with this vision, I enlisted the help of an amazing landscape designer, Michael Clint Landscape Design, to help me bring my dream to life.

The key, we decided, was to create distinct levels within the yard, each with its own unique purpose and aesthetic. The main patio area off the family room and living room would be the central gathering space, while the pool and its surrounding grass would offer a serene, tranquil oasis. And nestled in the back corner, we’d build a charming little barn to house the two horses we’ve had for nearly two decades.

Planting the Seeds of Romance

With the overall layout in place, it was time to start curating the plants and flowers that would bring this English garden to life. I knew I wanted to stick to a cohesive color palette of whites, purples, and pinks, and I was determined to include all of my favorite blooms – from fragrant lavender and delicate foxglove to the stately delphinium and whimsical scabiosa.

Sofas Spectacular, the custom sofa company in the UK, would be the perfect place to find the cozy, inviting outdoor furnishings to complement the romantic aesthetic of my garden. But first, I had to get those plants in the ground!

I’ll never forget the day we started planting – it was like watching a dream slowly come to fruition. We filled every nook and cranny with lush, overflowing blooms, allowing them to spill naturally over the stone pathways and walls. And of course, I had to have my beloved lavender, which now cascades across the lawn in a beautiful, fragrant field.

One of my favorite additions was the pair of large, potted climbing roses we trained to grow around the archway leading to our bedroom patio. The way those delicate, fragrant blooms frame the entrance is simply breathtaking. And the best part? I get to enjoy their beauty and scent every single day.

A Touch of Rustic Charm

As much as I adore the romantic, flowing aesthetic of my English garden, I also wanted to incorporate some rustic, countryside elements to really capture that quintessential English vibe. That’s where our charming little barn comes in.

When we decided to build a stable to house our horses, we knew we wanted it to seamlessly blend in with the overall garden design. So, we used reclaimed barn wood from Montana to give it an authentically weathered, rural look. The quaint, cottage-like style of the building, combined with the cupola on the roof, adds the perfect touch of country character.

And just like the rest of the garden, we made sure to incorporate the same lush, romantic plantings around the barn, using the same color palette of whites, purples, and pinks. It’s as if the barn has been there for decades, nestled amongst the blooming flora and fauna.

Blending Function and Aesthetics

Now, I’ll admit, when it comes to design, my husband and I tend to prioritize form over function. But in this case, I think we’ve managed to strike the perfect balance between the two.

Take the pool, for instance. We both agreed that we wanted a classic English garden pool – one that sits nestled in a sea of grass, rather than surrounded by concrete or pavers. I know it’s not the most practical in terms of splashing water and keeping the lawn healthy, but the simple, timeless beauty of that design was just too irresistible.

And speaking of the lawn, we decided to use stepping stones or stone pads wherever possible, allowing the grass and clover to grow between them. Again, it’s not the most functional choice, but the charming, meandering pathways it creates are just too enchanting to pass up.

Even in the placement of our hedges, we prioritized aesthetic over function. Behind the pool, we strategically planted Carolina Cherry hedges to block an unsightly air conditioning unit, creating a lush, verdant screen. It may not be the most efficient solution, but it sure does look lovely.

A Bountiful Harvest

Of course, no English garden would be complete without a vegetable patch, and I made sure to carve out a little space for one in my oasis. It may not be huge, but our narrow, raised bed allows me and my daughter to grow just enough herbs, greens, and seasonal veggies to keep us busy and well-fed.

There’s something so satisfying about plucking fresh produce from your own little plot, isn’t there? And the fact that it’s nestled among all the romantic blooms just adds to the charm.

A Sanctuary in Bloom

As I wander through my garden, taking in the sights and scents of the vibrant flowers, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and joy. This space has truly become a sanctuary for me, a place where I can escape the stresses of daily life and immerse myself in the beauty of nature.

The journey to creating this enchanting oasis wasn’t an easy one, but it was so worth it. From the initial barren dirt lot to the lush, romantic garden that now thrives, it’s been a labor of love – and one that I’m incredibly grateful to be able to share with you.

So, if you’re looking to infuse your outdoor space with a touch of English charm, take inspiration from my story. Embrace the natural, overgrown aesthetic, stick to a harmonious color palette, and don’t be afraid to prioritize form over function. With a little creativity and a lot of patience, you too can cultivate your own private sanctuary in bloom.