his rural hertfordshire property plays host to a Grade II listed house and a separate period outbuilding which have both had various architectural additions over the century, resulting in the creation of a narrow, empty corridor; prompting the need for an external garden design. The challenge for Aralia in this herts garden design was to unify the two opposing buildings and overcome the difficulties posed by numerous access points, all in the space of a small courtyard of less than two hundred square meters. The clients request was to create a garden which blurred the strong geometry of the buildings through a curvilinear design, whilst incorporating multiple opportunities for seating to relax and unwind. The garden very much holds a traditional feel through the choice of materials and planting in order to be sympathetic towards the architecture, surrounding landscape and local aesthetic. Upon first entering the property, visitors are greeted by a pair of beautifully crafted Iroko gates, framed by two heritage brick planters which house a lush beech hedge, concealing elements of the journey ahead. Three sizes of autumnal riven sandstone are used to negotiate the curves and create a subtle flow and legibility to the journey, whilst naturalistic perennials and grasses soften the space and create narrative. Plants such as Astrantia, Perovskia, Deschampsia and Echinacea are used throughout the borders to create rhythm and repetition whilst green Oak arches frame snippets of these views, anchoring the path between the buildings as the garden progresses. The culmination of the garden is signified by a circular terrace which is controlled and held in place by the beautifully weathered curved oak seats, housing cut logs underneath to create pattern and shape. Two small water chutes bubble away in the background creating a relaxing atmosphere whilst the user can sit and take advantage of tranquil views across the rest of the garden.

Witherspoon Rose Garden

Witherspoon Rose Culture

A stunning rose garden in a free form shaped bed makes an excellent focal point in this yard. The brick path surrounding allows for the garden to be enjoyed from all sides. Rose Garden planted and maintained by Witherspoon Rose Culture.

Rose-Covered Gazebo

Donna Lynn - Landscape Designer

lynnlandscapedesign.com - Yellow climbing rose on iron gazebo serves as focal point in rose and perennial garden. photo: Donna Lynn

Find the right local pro for your project

Find top design and renovation professionals on Houzz

Une Maison Contemporaine 230 M² à Saint Prix

h(O)me attitudes by Sylvie Grimal

Outdoor Lighting

User

From post and wall lights to solar powered and security lights, you’ll find everything you need to illuminate your garden in B&Q’s outdoor lighting range. Whether you’re looking for simple, standalone lights or a linked lighting system for your outdoor spaces, we have a huge selection of products to suit your needs and budget.

Backyard Garden

Shelley Groves Garden Design

Joey Groves

KMLD

katie moss landscape design

Sherman Project - Sandy Springs, GA.

ARNOLD Masonry & Landscape

This is one of our most recent all inclusive hardscape and landscape projects completed for wonderful clients in Sandy Springs / North Atlanta, GA. Project consisted of completely stripping backyard and creating a clean pallet for new stone and boulder retaining walls, a firepit and stone masonry bench seating area, an amazing flagstone patio area which also included an outdoor stone kitchen and custom chimney along with a cedar pavilion. Stone and pebble pathways with incredible night lighting. Landscape included an incredible array of plant and tree species , new sod and irrigation and potted plant installations. Our professional photos will display this project much better than words can. Contact us for your next hardscape, masonry and landscape project. Allow us to create your place of peace and outdoor oasis! http://www.arnoldmasonryandlandscape.com/ All photos and project and property of ARNOLD Masonry and Landscape. All rights reserved © Mark Najjar- All Rights Reserved ARNOLD Masonry and Landscape ©

Shabby-chic Style Garden

My Houzz: Simply Escapist in Santa Cruz

Shannon Malone

Branxholm Park House, Scottish Borders

Inside Story Photography

Inside Story Photography - Tracey Bloxham

San Carlos Cottage Garden

Kristen Rudger Landscape Design

Rail Fences

Split Rail Fence Co Denver CO

Tiburon2

Shepard Design Landscape Architecture - AJ Shepard

Great garden that is viewed from all parts of the home. It is an interior courtyard, using stone for the path and artificial turf for the lawn. Very low maintenance. Garden designed by Shepard Design Landscape Architects

Desination Garden

Sun or Shade Garden Design

Here we create a quiet destination garden around a pergola. The grape vines create a cool shady area where you can relax in the hammock and enjoy a book and a cool beverage.

Montecito Haven

Montecito Landscape

My Houzz: DIY Love and Nature-Inspired Colors Update a Couple’s Garden

Rikki Snyder

Un jardin romantique

Jean-Jacques DERBOUX Paysagiste

JJ Derboux

French country home

Catherine Sandin

Shabby-Chic Style Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by Shabby-Chic Style Gardens on Houzz

A lot of the time when you get home from a long day at work, all you want to do is wind down. Where better to do this than in your very own shabby-chic style garden at home? If you do it right, a great garden design can send you right into holiday mode. But where to start? There’s so many styles to choose from when it comes to garden design. Whether you want to create a tropical, modern, contemporary, beach style or country garden - or something else entirely - the large garden image gallery on Houzz has got you covered. Get inspired and collect your ideas to narrow down your desired garden style and features.

How to Create a Shabby-Chic Style Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a shabby-chic style garden and if it’s appropriate for your climate. You may want to consider adding a deck or other landscaping features, but the plants you choose will mostly dictate your style and what kind of ongoing maintenance is required. Don’t worry if your backyard isn’t very spacious - there are many plants that can thrive even in a small space and allow you to turn your space into a little paradise of your own, regardless of size.

Decide which plants to use

The greenery you choose is critical to your look. For example, if you’re trying to create a tropical garden palm trees and bamboo are your go-to options. Other popular options are golden cane palm trees and fern for ground cover. From there you can add some colour with bright flowers like frangipani, hibiscus or bromeliads. All these are actually quite hardy plants, so once established, your tropical garden is actually quite easy to maintain. Use this structure and apply it to your style. Research which plants you need to set your base for a shabby-chic style garden and go from there.

Add some decor

If the plants don’t quite do it for you yet, or if you want to add some extra wow-factor, consider adding some extra features. Even if you can’t accommodate a swimming pool, hot tub or pond, you could look at smaller water features. Simple rocks can also have a great effect, while statues and gnomes will add some extra character. Don’t forget to add some furniture so you have a nice place to sit and enjoy your garden!

Need some help?

Once you know what you want your garden to look like, it may be hard to make it a reality on your own. If that is the case for you, consider consulting a professional to help you with your shabby-chic style garden design. Every photo you find on Houzz will lead you to the local pro that did the job, so you won’t have a problem picking the perfect person to help! Whether you need a gardener in Brisbane, a landscape architect in Melbourne or a fireplace installer in Sydney, you can be sure to find one on Houzz.

Carolyn Aiken

Aiken House & Gardens