I’m not sure when it happened, or even how, but I’ve recently become quite the gardener—in my head.
It might be because I’ve been stuck at home for nearly a year now, or maybe it’s because it’s winter now and I’m missing the opportunity to be outside. Or maybe I’m just ready to take advantage of having some more space.
In any case, I’ve found myself seeking out garden inspiration, and even reading gardening books.
It’s been a whole thing. I imagine planting luscious beds, having flowers in vases and fresh herbs, eating salads I grew, throwing garden parties, wearing flower crowns. And, lest the fantasizing grow old, I’ve actually ordered some seeds so some of this may actually come to fruition.
Apparently, I’m not alone. According to Architectural Digest, “The pandemic has reinforced the idea that horticulture is therapy.” And, well, I guess we could all use some therapy right now.
If you, too, are having twee garden fantasies after being stuck at your house for a year, please allow me to entertain you with a range of inspiring images.
Is our yard soon to join the list? Who knows. But it’s fun to imagine, don’t you think?
English Gardens
First up, I’ve been eyeing numerous lovely English Gardens. Characterized by a bit of a rustic, overflowing feel, these gardens feature classics like Lavender and Black Eyed Susans.
I love the way ground cover keeps everything feeling luscious and full, instead of staring at open spots in the dirt or mulch.
There’s a really cozy, secret garden kind of vibe and I’m loving it. Plus, nothing needs to be perfectly trimmed or groomed—the wildness is part of the appeal!
Vegetable Gardens
Secondly, I’ve had big dreams of growing vegetables considering I managed to harvest one (1) cucumber from my garden last year. But, then again, I was going in blind, and after reading Kitchen Garden Revival, I feel like I have not only the inspiration, but the knowledge to possibly pull it off.
I love the idea of a cozy vegetable garden where I grow things snuggled up together. Not only does it look beautiful, but it’s easier to weed and makes better use of a small space. I’d even grow herbs and useful plants like lemon verbena and lavender.
We’ll probably establish a small kitchen garden in the fall of this year and actually begin growing veggies next year.
This year, I will once again use my small garden boxes to grow a couple of things and hopefully find more success than last year.
Cut Flower Gardens
Finally, I started looking into growing flowers not just for display outside, but for bringing in and placing in a vase as well (and of course the aforementioned flower crowns!). Inspired by Cut Flower Garden, I love the idea of being able to have bouquets inside made from my very own plants.
Plus, even if I don’t find the need to cut very many flowers, the images of cut flower gardens, with blooms all lined up in row, are beautiful enough for me.
I bought a couple of packets of flower seeds this year, so we’ll see how that goes—again, I like a sort of lush, overflowing, tightly planted look. So there will be some trial and error, but I think it’s a good experiment to start this year.
What’s Your Fantasy Garden?
So there you have it! A whole bunch of cozy gardening inspiration perfect for making the most of your outdoor space, large or small.
Let me know which is your favorite in the comments or if you have another vision altogether for your garden!
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