20 Garden Styles Ideas

Garden style is a broad topic that has many sub-topics. So to avoid confusion, Edenapp defines gardening as the art and science of using plants and other elements to design outdoor space. From the garden style that is authentic to the garden styles that are very wild and natural, Edenapp wishes to share the styles that are trending through the years.

This article provides different styles of gardens and the techniques involved in styling a garden. While Edenapp covers the cost involved in landscaping a garden, we also help you explore what it takes to style a garden and what are some of the tools needed for this type of work.

Before looking into the varied garden style ideas, let’s take a look at the 20 gardening styles mentioned below. 

1. Patio Garden Bed
2. Ultimate Kitchen Garden
3. Perennial Garden
4. A Glorious Kitchen
5. Vertical Garden
6. Foliage-Filled Garden
7. Herb Garden
8. Crevice Garden
9. Rose Garden
10. Water Garden
11. Bark Appeal Garden
12. Cottage Garden
13. Shade Garden
14. Fall Cutting Garden
15. Spring Bulb Garden 
16. Fall Decorating Garden
17. Fragrant Garden
18. Porch Border Garden
19. Raised Planter Garden 
20. Round Evergreens

1. Patio Garden Bed

A patio garden bed refers to a style where you can transform your patio into an enticing patio garden bed. Creating a planting bed on a newly constructed patio can help you define and distinguish the space while maintaining a lush outdoor space. 

The durability of your patio garden bed depends on the material you choose for its construction. While bricks can be difficult to work with, a concrete footing and mortar is used to make the material more durable. Raised garden beds are already easy to maintain, but you can make the care and maintenance process more simple by choosing low-maintenance plants, especially the ones that are disease resistant. Fan flowers, chrysanthemums, or strawberry plants are some of the plants that can be used for patio garden beds. 

2. Ultimate Kitchen Garden

The ultimate kitchen garden style fulfills the dream of eating only organic produce while living the farm-to-table movement invented by Alice Waters (American chef). The kitchen garden involves the growing of vegetables and planting plants that repel pests but with a varied structure. This structure depends on your needs and creativity that adds style to your landscape. 

The durability of such gardens, in this case – kitchen gardens, depends on the level of maintenance you provide. For instance, you must plant outdoors only after all the danger of frost has passed. You shouldn’t under- or over-water your plants. Use plants to fend off pests that can damage your vegetable garden. 

3. Perennial Garden

Perennial gardens are the best choice any homeowner could make for their yard. While they might bloom for a short period of the year, they are a great investment in the long run, since the perennials return for many years on their own. But, the establishment of perennial plants probably takes a year or two. You just need to be patient for the first couple of years, since your perennials would be settling down a root system so that they return bigger and better each year. 

Unlike herbaceous perennials, the other types of perennials can live anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Even though perennials are low maintenance, one should go for low nitrogen and high phosphorus fertilizers that help in getting more blooms and less foliage. 

4. A Glorious Kitchen

The 30-by-90-foot plot defines the glorious kitchen garden that includes three zones, where two smaller zones can include climbers, such as tomatoes and watermelon, outfitted with raised beds. Working out the space to grow desirable produce, from lettuces to potatoes, and considering the weather conditions before planting, among other factors, are essential to set up a glorious kitchen-garden plan. 

The first step of durability and maintenance is to figure out which crops you can grow, and which you cannot. Consider the vegetables you love to eat and the herbs you regularly use and then choose the right spot and irrigation schedule for them. Ensure that the crops get the ideal weather conditions, sunlight exposure, and soil type. For better soil fertility, consider taking a soil test on your lawn. 

5. Vertical Garden

A vertical garden can add depth and structure to your patio or even your deck for a dramatic look. If you wish to add colors to your vines, you can opt for flowering vines that can also provide privacy and screening. While annual vines only stay for one season, perennials take time to establish. Go for Virginia Creeper for its red fall color or star jasmine for its heavenly sweet scent; you won’t be disappointed. 

As far as durability is concerned, the material used for vertical gardening determines that. Also, they are far easier to manage than regular gardens. 

6. Foliage-Filled Garden

Foliage adds the greenery and texture to your yard that you probably always wanted. By incorporating foliage plants, you can achieve quite an impressive garden that displays different shades of green, purple, burgundy or even orange. 

Caladiums, hostas, and New Zealand Flax, among other plants, result in an excellent foliage-filled garden. For maintenance purposes, you must examine plants carefully, apply the right fertilizer, use fully composted yard waste, and prune as and when required, among others, to enhance the greenery. 

7. Herb Garden

Herbs occupy the least of your space available and are savory culinary plants that can be used in cooking or can be enjoyed for their fragrance. You can use small pots to plant the herbs. Your herb garden can also denote just one category – either fragrant herb gardens (pelargonium) or kitchen herb gardens.

When it comes to herb gardens, you must plant them where they are getting sunlight for a good period of the day. Avoid overwatering, and prune and trim as and when required. 

8. Crevice Garden

Crevice garden mimics a natural mountain setting by including stones and small-growing plants. The right base material should be used for this rock-gardening technique to prevent weather damage. You can consider incorporating your patio or terrace with compact flowering plants or a few sprawling perennials.It should be noted that the crevice garden is low maintenance.

9. Rose Garden

Roses may seem like a plant that every homeowner or property has, but they are just something that go with every garden trend and stand out on a lawn. But the soil fertility and irrigation requirements for rose gardens are not the same as every other garden. Hence, consider taking assistance from a horticulturist or professional gardener who can make this job easy for you. 

10. Water Garden

Water gardens or aquatic gardens that feature varied aquatic plants can be implemented for a unique landscape. Consider hardy water lilies for their sunny yellow flower and olive green leaves or pickerelweed arrow-shaped leaves and spikes of starry blue-purple flowers. 

When you plan to build a water garden, you also invest in a landscaping project that enhances your curb appeal and adds to your ROI. To maintain and increase the durability of these water plants, you must use the right water plant fertilizer, refill the water feature, and take good care of them in the winter. 

11. Bark Appeal Garden

Does your garden look lifeless during the dormant season? If you do not appreciate the lack of color, then you might find the bark appeal garden an excellent addition to your lawn. This garden style refers to the peeling of the bark where a new, interesting bark or stems are developing. 

Consider pruning a third of the old stems of a shrub during spring to encourage new stems. 

12. Cottage Garden

A cottage garden indicates nature’s beauty, but to achieve the right color, shape, and texture, you must pick the right flowers as well. For a truly authentic cottage look, you can grow plants overhead or add vertical style with climbers.

Bear in mind that some flowers, such as wildflower meadow and roses, are an obvious choice for cottage gardens, since they render quite an authentic look. Also, remember that you can never go wrong with fragrance plants. 

13. Shade Garden

Ever considered including shade-loving annuals and perennials to create a shade garden. A shade garden is a great place to hang out, especially when you are around plants that require little sun but still thrive. The shade-loving plants do well in less sunlight, but they still need enough water to survive. 

Begonia, torenia, dichondra, or browallia can be your choice to build yourself a shade garden. To maintain the shade gardens, you must note that no sun-loving plants should be planted in the shady spots. Also, consider watering the garden once a week if there is no rainfall. By removing or raking leaves and debris, you will help in controlling pests in your lawn or garden.

14. Fall Cutting Garden

Creating a fall-cutting garden renders great benefits that one might not be aware of. While this garden style involves the cutting of plants, this process of cutting maximizes production, minimizes maintenance, and adds to the growing and displaying of desired flowers in your vases indoors. 

Given the process involved in the fall cutting garden, this garden style needs very little maintenance. 

15. Spring Bulb Garden

The experts of Edenapp recommend adding this garden style to your landscape if you love a dramatic spring garden. This garden style involves planting during the fall so that after the dark and somewhat lifeless winter, a well-planted spring bulb garden makes its dramatic entrance. Daffodils, grape hyacinths, tulips, crocus, and fritillarias are some of the plants you can choose to plant for a bright season ahead. 

It should be noted that the best time to prune the plants in the spring bulb garden is after the flowers bloom. The pruning process should also be considered so that you don’t damage the foliage, since it can damage the bulbs (tulips, irises, daffodils, etc.). 

16. Fall Decorating Garden

Instead of buying items for seasonal or fall decorations, why not consider growing a separate space of your own?

A plethora of plants are available, like the Japanese silver grass, European cranberrybush, and fountain grass, among others, to create your own fall decorating garden. Chinese or outdoor lanterns can also provide the magic that you wish to include in your garden. 

17. Fragrant Garden

Different attributes of plants or flowers work for all garden styles, but the fragrance of flowers and shrubs works on so many levels. Include scented geraniums, chamomile, and roses to create an incredible and lovely outdoor space or your desired garden area. Lavender and lemon verbena can also be a good addition to a fragrant garden.

Trim the stems, follow the irrigation schedule, along with other maintenance tips for the upkeep of the fragrant gardens. Ensure you engage with a professional gardener who understands the lifecycle and maintenance of fragrant plants. 

18. Porch Border Garden

Gone are the days when plants and flowers or shrubs were meant only for the landscape and gardens. The trends of garden styles indicate the inclusion of a mixed border or diverse mix of greenery, annuals, perennials and shrubs for your front yard. Edenapp recommends adding low-maintenance plants or shrubs for those who are attempting it for the first time. 

19. Raised Planter Garden 

Raised planter beds are garden areas or plots above ground. They are the best choice for people with limited space or poor soil fertility. A raised planter garden also prevents plant damage and soil compaction, but this garden style also requires you to invest a lot before you start to get fruitful results. 

In order to maintain raised planter gardens, you must look into the soil quality; after all, you are investing money and time in preparing the raised gardens. From the right irrigation schedule and keeping a watch on weeds to conducting pest control, you are required to render high maintenance service to your garden. 

20. Round Evergreens

The one great advantage of having round evergreens is their whimsical ambiance to a garden. The term ‘evergreen’ denotes that these plants stay green all year round. To achieve a gorgeous, green garden, consider adding the following to your round evergreen garden – false cypress for its soft fern-like needles, hemlock for its graceful appearance, or blue holly for the winter appearance it renders. 

To maintain the evergreen plants, you need to carefully follow the best techniques involved in watering, pruning, occasional fertilizing, and mulching. Not everyone knows this, but you can slow down soil evaporation by mulching the soil with coarse wood chips. You may also use shredded bark within the dripline instead of the wood chips. 

What is the essence of styling a garden?

The essence of styling a garden is to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It is important to consider the type of plants and flowers that will be used, the layout of the garden, and the overall ambiance you want to create. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and stylish garden that will be enjoyed for years to come.

What factors should be considered when styling a garden?

There are a number of factors to take into account when styling a garden, including the size and shape of the space, the climate, and the type of plants and flowers you want to include. But one of the most important things to consider is the overall look and feel you want to create.

• Site selection – After finalizing everything, issues in the yield you get at the end is the last problem you want to have in your yard or garden. Hence, consider inspecting the area carefully before choosing the right site for your garden, be it a vegetable garden or a cottage garden. You must consider the water availability for your garden and the soil quality that will complement the garden style you wish to create. 
• Soil type and quality – Getting your soil tested is essential to understand if it includes the nutrients and minerals that your plants or crops require to flourish. While varied plants need different soil types to survive, they also require different pH levels. You must also look out for any drainage and aeration issues, since these problems can restrict root growth.
• Know your yard – Knowing every corner of your yard is vital for you to choose the right spot for your plants or garden. Inspect which area gets the most sunlight, and if there is a space that receives not more than 4 hours of sunlight, it can be ideal for creating a shade garden.
• Consider themes – Themes help in unifying a garden from one style to another. It also gives depth to your garden while standing out in the outdoor garden space. Since the themes complement the spaces altogether, it is best to consider your home’s architecture as well. Edenapp suggests engaging with professionals who can work with your ideas and combine them with their creativity to exceed your expectations. 
• Choose plants that work best for you – While choosing your plants and shrubs, consider the height and width when they reach maturity. If you are planning to grow the trees or shrubs in your pathways or as borders, then considering the space available is essential, since, unlike a sapling, they will require more space when they mature. Also, choose the plants that give you the flowers you want but also can survive the environment and surroundings of your garden. 
• Consider what you want (vegetables/ flowers) – Apart from the fertility of your soil, choose the garden style you wish to have in your yard. If your soil type or quality does not allow that, then consider optimizing the soil to improve its performance for your plants or vegetables. Once you’ve decided on how to style a garden, you can start to think about specific elements that will help create it. For example, if you want a cottage garden feel, you might choose climbing roses and lavender, while for a modern look, you could go for clean lines and bold colors.Whatever garden style or plant you choose, remember that it’s your garden, and there are no rules – so have fun and be creative!

What are the tools needed when styling a garden?

When it comes to gardening, there are a few tools that are essential for getting the job done right. Here, Edenapp has mentioned some of the must-have tools to go over for anyone who wants to style their garden.

• A good pair of gloves – Garden gloves will protect your hands from thorns and other sharp objects. They will also keep your hands clean while you are working. From gloves that are best for digging and gloves that should be worn while applying pesticide to gloves that are great for overall gardening jobs, the cost can range between $7 to $25. 
• A trowel – A trowel is a small shovel that is used to apply, spread and set small plants. It is perfect for digging holes and planting flowers. The cost of a trowel can range from $4 to $48, depending on its size and material, even though typically it is a hand tool. 
• A watering can or a hose – This is an essential tool for keeping your plants hydrated. Make sure to get one with a long spout so that you can reach all of your plants. You may as well get yourself a hose or sprinkler system if you have a large landscape or garden. While watering cans can cost you under $600, also ranging as high as $1100, a good quality water hose can cost you from $30 to $65.
• A rake – A rake refers to a pole with several tines at the end of a crossbar attached to the pole. It is perfect for leveling out soil and removing debris from your garden. A rake can cost you from $10 to $70. 
• Pruning shears – Available in varied shapes, blade sizes, and cutting capacities, pruning shears help in trimming and removing dead stems or leaves to maintain the plants and your overall garden health. The cost can go as low as $15 and as high as $200, given the pruning tool you require and the attributes and function it renders. These are just a few of the essential tools that you will need for styling your garden. With these tools, you will be able to create a beautiful space that you can enjoy for years to come.

How much is the possible cost when styling a garden?

If you’re thinking of sprucing up your garden, you may be wondering how much it will cost. The cost of styling a garden can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. 

On average, it might cost you around $2000 to build a raised garden. At the same time, the installation of a patio garden bed can cost you $7 to $25.00 per sq. ft. The price involved in setting up a cottage garden can go well beyond $200, depending on what annuals or perennials you need and how many of them you want in your cottage garden. The initial price of setting up a vertical garden can range between $150 to $300. Hence, you must have a budget of at least $3000 to create a perfect garden. 

To reduce costs, you can choose to work with low-cost materials. For example, rather than buying expensive plants, you can look for hardy varieties that don’t require as much care. You can also use recycled materials in your gardens, such as repurposed bricks or stones.

Remember that the key to a beautiful garden is not necessarily spending a lot of money. With some creativity and careful planning, you can create a stunning outdoor space on a budget.