21 beautiful British back gardens with ideas to copy | homify (2024)

Table of Contents
1. Talk about low maintenance but high impact! The simple white beds here and sleek decking are amazing! 2. Colourful furniture cushions will pick out all the gorgeous hues and design throughout the rest of your garden. 3. Shaped lawns make a very dramatic statement and have an almost heritage look to them! So pretty! 4. Oooh! How about a zen garden design that really sticks to a definite theme. The red and black here is fantastic! 5. Small gardens work so well over multiple levels and with sweet little space dividers! Some colour is fun too! 6. We love the idea of building raised planters and trying to grow some food in our gardens, don't you? 7. Why waste time with a lawn, if you don't want to commit to the upkeep? A gravelled seating area will look just as great! 8. If you like an element of control, a small garden is perfect for some decking, contained wooden planters and a bistro dining set! So sweet! 9. Using a blend of natural materials will always create a cohesive and beautiful garden. We love the dark stone accents here! 10. If you are a social butterfly, you know you have little option but to turn your garden into a lovely outdoor kitchen, right? So handy! 11. A luscious lawn and bustling borders look wonderful in front of some sharp wooden decking. It's pared back but lovely! 12. Slate chippings are a wonderfully high-end take on the classic bark border coverings! What a neat finish they create! 13. This garden is such a lot of fun and shows that if you have an eclectic side, it can be extended out to the garden as well! 14. What an amazing terrace! The pale flagstones work so well to divide the natural and sociable elements! 15. This is the epitome of an English country garden, with unstructured planting and rugged stones! 16. Isn't it a great idea to make designer furniture pieces the focal point of a garden, rather than the plants? So contemporary! 17. What's not to love here? The shaped lawn, colourful borders and lovely pergola are all utterly beautiful. 18. The blend of natural stone and pared back wood here is creating a fantastic warm ambience. Love that pond as well! 19. Stone gabion walls are such a modern aesthetic that make a definite statement. The industrial overtones are just so chic! 20. The contrast of bright white and luscious green in this garden is inspirational. The contemporary finish is so undeniable as well. 21. This beautiful back garden design really proves the power of effective outdoor lighting and has so many inspirational elements. Just look at those lawn lights! The do’s of back garden ideas The don’ts of back garden ideas Don't forget about arrangement! The key to a beautiful back garden is adding the right flowers in the right places. Perennial or annual? Take this into account when coming up with garden design ideas. Know thy garden — be a regular! FAQs References

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If you've been procrastinating about getting your garden sorted, we think that a slew of fabulous finished projects might be the final push you need to get your landscape architect or Gardener over for a cuppa and a planning session! Whether you fancy a contemporary and social garden or a traditional country-style space, filled with plants and flowers, we've got some brilliant ideas for you, right here.

So, let’s be inspired by some of the most beautiful small gardens on homify…

1. Talk about low maintenance but high impact! The simple white beds here and sleek decking are amazing!

Yorkshire Gardens

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2. Colourful furniture cushions will pick out all the gorgeous hues and design throughout the rest of your garden.

Christine Wilkie Garden Design

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3. Shaped lawns make a very dramatic statement and have an almost heritage look to them! So pretty!

Unique Landscapes

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4. Oooh! How about a zen garden design that really sticks to a definite theme. The red and black here is fantastic!

Lush Garden Design

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5. Small gardens work so well over multiple levels and with sweet little space dividers! Some colour is fun too!

Rosemary Coldstream Garden Design Limited

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Adding popping hues (reds, pinks, etc) to your front- or back garden has been proven to add not only character, but also visual spaciousness.

Need help with your home project? Get in touch!

7. Why waste time with a lawn, if you don't want to commit to the upkeep? A gravelled seating area will look just as great!

Cherry Mills Garden Design

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8. If you like an element of control, a small garden is perfect for some decking, contained wooden planters and a bistro dining set! So sweet!

Fenton Roberts Garden Design

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9. Using a blend of natural materials will always create a cohesive and beautiful garden. We love the dark stone accents here!

Visit Profile

10. If you are a social butterfly, you know you have little option but to turn your garden into a lovely outdoor kitchen, right? So handy!

Visit Profile

11. A luscious lawn and bustling borders look wonderful in front of some sharp wooden decking. It's pared back but lovely!

Atkinsons Fencing Ltd

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12. Slate chippings are a wonderfully high-end take on the classic bark border coverings! What a neat finish they create!

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13. This garden is such a lot of fun and shows that if you have an eclectic side, it can be extended out to the garden as well!

Cool Gardens Landscaping

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14. What an amazing terrace! The pale flagstones work so well to divide the natural and sociable elements!

Gardenplan Design

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15. This is the epitome of an English country garden, with unstructured planting and rugged stones!

Barnes Walker Ltd

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16. Isn't it a great idea to make designer furniture pieces the focal point of a garden, rather than the plants? So contemporary!

Nash Baker Architects Ltd

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17. What's not to love here? The shaped lawn, colourful borders and lovely pergola are all utterly beautiful.

Unique Landscapes

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18. The blend of natural stone and pared back wood here is creating a fantastic warm ambience. Love that pond as well!

homify

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19. Stone gabion walls are such a modern aesthetic that make a definite statement. The industrial overtones are just so chic!

Yorkshire Gardens

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20. The contrast of bright white and luscious green in this garden is inspirational. The contemporary finish is so undeniable as well.

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21. This beautiful back garden design really proves the power of effective outdoor lighting and has so many inspirational elements. Just look at those lawn lights!

Concept Eight Architects

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The do’s of back garden ideas

Hampstead Garden Design

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•Trust the landscaping/gardening professionals, since they are pretty clued up on your local climate etc. and how it pertains to front- and back gardens. In addition, working with them also saves you precious time and hassle.

•Plan before you plant. If you’re not prepared to commit, then don’t choose plants that require lots of maintenance. Also, consider the size of those plants/flowers and how they will look in your beautiful small garden before you buy them.

The don’ts of back garden ideas

Concept Landscape Architects

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•Be careful with invasive plant species – sometimes they just don’t take to a new climate or soil and, instead of enhancing your garden design, wither and die pretty quickly.

•Don’t plant a tree too close to your home as it could negatively influence your roof, views, amount of incoming sunlight, etc. Always consider its height and branch length.

Since we’re busy sprucing up our exterior spaces, why not take a look at these 23 cheap but effective (and stylish) garden fence ideas?

Don't forget about arrangement! The key to a beautiful back garden is adding the right flowers in the right places.

Bea Ray Garden Design Ltd

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When you aren't sure what flowers to add, our professionals can help you to figure out what kind of style would suit you best and which options will mingle nicely. Whether it's a dreamy English countryside or a traditional Japanese garden, there are plenty of options for garden design ideas in the UK. Before you make a purchase or a design plan, it's best to start investigating which flowers you'd like in your garden and whether they'll clash or complement. Of course, keep in mind which flowers may be too difficult to upkeep as well.

Perennial or annual? Take this into account when coming up with garden design ideas.

homify

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Again, it's important to start with low-maintenance plants and flowers if you're new to gardening. Don't try to take on too much at once! When you're looking at back garden ideas, consider whether you'd prefer to take care of plants yearly or to keep them up for longer. Perennial and annual aren't the only types of flowers available — biennial is another option. Some plants will break the rules. The takeaway is that you'll need to make a plan and know your garden.

Scroll through this ideabook to inspire your garden landscape plan.

Know thy garden — be a regular!

Bea Ray Garden Design Ltd

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Finally, be a regular in your own garden. By monitoring how your plants take to the climate, what animals might pop by, and any issues that might arise — bugs, cold spells, too much or not enough rain — you'll become an expert on gardening in your own backyard. We hope you enjoyed these garden ideas for the UK.

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21 beautiful British back gardens with ideas to copy | homify (2024)

FAQs

How do you make an English garden from scratch? ›

Along with volume and texture, add vertical interest with trellises, arches, pergolas, and gazebos, and then plant climbing flowers (like clematis, climbing hydrangeas, or wisteria) and vines alongside them. "This is another way to achieve that eye-catching look that the English modern garden is known for," says Sears.

What is the difference between a French garden and an English garden? ›

In summary, French gardens are characterized by their formality, symmetry, and control over nature, while English gardens are known for their natural appearance, informal layout, and incorporation of varied plantings and landscape features.

What is a dementia garden? ›

A sensory garden is a green space which has been designed to appeal to as many of the senses as possible. In healthcare settings, sensory planting is often designed for people with dementia, as colour, touch and scent can calm and ground, and inspire the recollection of distant memories and sensations.

What is the easiest plant to take care of outdoors? ›

10 Easy-to-Grow Outdoor Plants for Gardening Beginners
  • Coneflowers. ...
  • Marigolds. ...
  • Daylilies. ...
  • Nasturtiums. ...
  • Lavender. ...
  • Snapdragons. ...
  • Hostas. ...
  • Daffodils. A fall-planted bulb of the perennial variety, bright yellow daffodils show their much-welcomed faces in the spring.

What is a typical British garden? ›

The basic elements of an English garden include: large drifts of bright perennials, color themes, a wide variety of textures, and herbaceous borders—which are full of flowers through three seasons. English gardens were popularized in the 1800s and 1900s, thanks to authors like William Robertson and Gertrude Jekyll.

What is the difference between an English garden and a cottage garden? ›

"English would be more formal. English gardens utilize hedges and crisp, vertical evergreen accents to define spaces and punctuate certain areas." The original cottage gardens, which Lenhart says began in the 1800s, incorporated fruit trees and aromatic plants out of necessity.

What are the colors of the English garden? ›

an English-garden-inspired color palette // blue-green, purple, red-violet, violet, pink | Green colour palette, Purple color palettes, Colorful garden.

What is a Tudor garden? ›

Tudor parks and gardens provided an opportunity for dramatic displays of newly found wealth, success and power. Particularly during Elizabeth I's reign, elaborate formal gardens and extensive pleasure grounds became essential accessories of fashionable mansions.

Why do English gardens have walls? ›

In this garden, as in English gardens through- out history, walls are both practical and decorative. They protect plants from cold winds and hungry animals. They radiate heat, thereby prolonging the growing season. They create intimate enclosed spaces while blocking out unwanted noise or unsightly views.

What is a French knot garden? ›

Formal in appearance, the knot garden dates back to 1400s France and was popular during the Elizabethan era, the latter half of the 1500s. In these gardens, geometric patterns inspired by rugs and tapestries are woven of herbs, flowers, shrubs, and other plants in a square frame.

What is the best garden for the elderly? ›

Build raised garden beds

There are many advantages to raised garden beds for older people. Raised beds are much easier to weed and maintain as they require less bending. There are number of other advantages to raised beds, including control over soil type and keeping pests out.

What type of garden is easiest to maintain? ›

Opt for big beds rather than small ones. An overflowing bed filled with a tightly knit matrix of plants requires little grooming and pruning to control its size.

How do I make my garden dementia friendly? ›

Plants and planting

Raised beds or large planters (pots) can avoid too much bending to reach plants. Make sure that pots do not block the path or patio and are not a trip hazard. Keep paths clear of trailing plants and leaves. Make sure that frequently used garden tools and watering equipment are easy to find.

What are easy low-maintenance vegetables to grow? ›

The Easiest Fruits and Vegetables to Grow for Beginners
  1. Bell Peppers. Bell peppers start out green, but they mature to red, orange, yellow, purple and even chocolate brown. ...
  2. Blackberries and Raspberries. ...
  3. Cabbage. ...
  4. Cucumbers. ...
  5. Garlic. ...
  6. Strawberries. ...
  7. Tomatoes. ...
  8. Zucchini and Squash.

References

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