While some people prefer to fill their gardens with barbecues, furniture and kids toys, others opt for a minimalist approach. Having an open space is especially useful if you live in a cluttered home because it provides a welcome opportunity to relax. In this post, we’re going to reveal how to design a minimalist garden.
What is Minimalism?
Minimalism is a practice that has been around for many years. You can see its principles in artwork, houses and gardens. In its simplest form, taking a minimalist approach involves choosing items that add value to your life and removing everything else.
According to Response Source, 49% of millennials voted minimalism as the top trend for Summer in 2019.
You can apply minimalism to the interior and exterior design, by focusing on what you need rather than what you want. When you use minimalistic design, you can create a relaxing space without cluttering your garden.
There are no rules to minimalism, and you don’t need to count the items you include in your garden because it’s all about what works for you.
So, how can you apply the principles to your garden design? We have some fantastic tips to help you create a relaxing space for both you and your family.
Be Practical
Before you begin the design process, you need to think about your style preference but also know your limitations. While some designs look spectacular, they’re probably not suitable for children or pets.
Think about how members of your household will use the garden and try to incorporate their needs in your design. Most pets will require an area for toileting, and young children should be allowed to play.
Practicality can save you a lot of time and money after the design process, so try to make it a space that everyone can enjoy.
Work Out How Much Space You Have
If you have a large garden, then it’s going to be a lot easier to use the space to create a minimalist design while still considering the practical elements. But urban areas require more planning because there’s a limited amount of land.
The positive thing about small urban gardens is they’re ideal for creating a minimalist space because you don’t need to do much to achieve the look. It does, however, become challenging when children and pets are involved.
Work out the free space you have and take measurements. You’ll need them when you purchase furniture and other items.
Choose the Right Materials
When it comes to materials, many people prefer to pair sustainability with neutral tones. For example, limestone and gravel can endure all seasons, and they work well together without dominating the garden.
Remember that plants play a huge part in adding colour to your outside area, so you should go for tones that compliment each other.
Minimalist Garden Inspiration
Now you understand the basics of how to design a minimalist garden, we’ve got some great tips to help you achieve the look.
Use Hardscaping Techniques
Lawn maintenance is something a lot of busy people want to avoid, and hardscaping is one of the most popular trends in minimalist gardens. Instead of focusing on having a manicured lawn, you can use paving stones or gravel to create an attractive setting that requires very little upkeep.
Think About Your Privacy
Small gardens in urban areas can often make you feel like the world can see you. There are many ways to improve the privacy of your garden. One is to incorporate manicured hedges into the design, but they do require a lot of maintenance.
The easiest way you can create a barrier is by fencing off your garden. If you choose this approach, then try to choose a fence colour that won’t distract attention away from your plants and furniture.
Add Potted Plants
Potted plants inject some much-needed colour into your garden, and they’re a great way to attract wildlife. Try to choose plants that don’t require too much care – especially if you’re busy.
Our favourite options for minimalist gardens include:
- Hydrangeas
- Lavender
- Geraniums
- Ornamental Grasses
If you have space, then you can use raised beds too. It’s up to you whether you choose containers with neutral tones or you can add some coloured pots to liven up your garden.
Use a Water Feature
Water features don’t just look beautiful; they also add an element of peace to your garden. They also add Japanese elements to the design and work well in a minimalistic setting. A miniature water fountain is perfect for small spaces, but you could also create a pond if you have a big garden.
Garden Furniture
As you can imagine, hammocks and loungers don’t exactly work in a minimalist garden, but steel furniture does. It doesn’t take any attention away from your plants or water feature, and it will last in all weather conditions.
You can also make furniture out of recycled materials, such as wooden pallets. Sand them down and paint them in a wood finish of your choice.
Lawn Ideas
If you hate the idea of not having a lawn, then we recommend that you make sure it’s closely cropped. A lot of people prefer to use artificial grass because it requires little maintenance, and it creates a carpet style appearance.
It’s important to note that you need to remove any existing grass or soil in the area because if you place an artificial lawn on top of it, you’ll get an uneven finish.
Now you know how to design a minimalist garden, you can start planning your relaxing outdoor space. Whether you want to take a DIY approach or hire a landscaping company, think about what you want to achieve with your design before committing to anything.
Most importantly, use a company that specialises in minimalist gardens for the best results. Floral & Hardy are experienced landscapers that specialise in London minimalist garden design. We’ll listen to your requirements and can put together a plan that works for your outdoor space.
Are you looking for some privacy ideas? Check out our post on the best plants for a screening here.
