32 English garden ideas

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English gardens are one of the most charming and romantic garden styles in the world. These gardens are full of decorative features, architectural elements and seamless blend both formal and informal elements.

English gardens celebrate natural materials and local craftsmanship which gives them a bespoke look and feel. Unlike many other garden themes English gardens seem to be able to adapt to any style.

Whether you want a formal or more naturalistic garden it doesn’t really matter. English gardens can handle both regimental and naturalistic styles with ease. If you are looking for English garden ideas look no further!

​I have compiled a list of 32 amazing English garden ideas for your little slice of paradise. 

​1. Formal hedges

​Formal hedges have been utilised in English gardens for hundreds of years. Typically these evergreen hedges are clipped using Buxus, Sweet box or Yew hedging. Such hedges often form low border hedging which emphasises bold lines within the design. These are often accompanied by larger more vertical shaped evergreen topiary such as cones or lollypops. 

​2. Woodland planting

​English gardens are well known for their woodland garden planting displays. These shady gardens are often made up of small trees, shrubs and shade loving perennials. With a naturalistic feel, dense woodland zones help to form a combination of enclosure and open views. The diverse array of dense vegetation and flowering plants also encourage birds and other wildlife.  

​3. Gravel

​Gravel has long been used in English gardens for its versatility and decorative textures. Gravels such as pea gravel is found in abundance throughout England’s beaches and estuaries. Due to its warm tones it was widely used for surfacing garden paths and seating areas. In medieval, walled gardens gravel helped to boost warm microclimates for crop growing. 

​4. Pathways

​English gardens are famous for their use of walkways and paths which traditionally have two main functions. Pathways are utilised to form bold lines and add structure to the design while also creating a journey. It is common for paths to draw your eye to distinct features and focal points. In more naturalistic English gardens however pathways can be curved and meandering through naturalistic planting and meadows. 

5. Benches

​Venture through any English village and you are sure to see a local greens lined with benches. Benches are a traditional feature of English gardens and usually positioned facing lawns or focal points. They are a fantastic way to encourage visitors to take a moment to stop and simply enjoy nature. Timber benches are often also positioned along paths and walkways. 

​6. Pergolas

​It is common for English gardens to use architectural structures to frame views and create spatial hierarchy. Vertical features can also be great for growing climbing plants and scented flowers. It is typical for English gardens to place decorative pergolas over seating areas and along pathways. These structures can be the perfect place to seek shade during long hot summers. 

​7. Statues

​Statues have always had a place adorning central borders and focal points within English gardens.  These monuments are a remnant of the classical garden style which was popular in the 17th century. However the English have a real love of tradition and symmetry which have kept statues in vogue. Statues do not have to be of the classical style and can be of any form or personal preference. 

8. Topiary

​Topiary is an ancient art practiced for centuries in Europe and in Britain. It has been said that the Romans originally founded the idea of pruning hedges into decorative shapes. In English gardens this practice is used to create attractive shapes and forms. Topiary is celebrated in more formal English gardens where it can take the form of columns and even animals.  

​9. Formal ponds

​English gardens regularly showcase formal water features within their landscaping. These can act as focal points with central fountains or statues. Ponds also offer the opportunity to use the effect of reflection upon adjacent features or structures. Water within English gardens can also flow from formal areas into more naturalistic water features. 

​10. Decorative edging

​Decorative edging can play a significant role in defining flower borders and retaining surfaces within English gardens. Traditional English gardens use a variety of different edging materials and styles. Some of these include red brick, granite setts, rope top edging and natural stone edgings. Such edging can be used as retaining edging to borders and gravel surfaces. 

​11. Flower meadows

​English gardens are loved for their rustic charm and sea of colourful flowers. Wild flower meadows were a part of the English landscape for many centuries. These expansive flowering grasslands were harvested for feeding livestock during the winter. Many English gardens have embraced these decorative displays as a way to boost wildlife habitats. 

12. Rustic materials

​Rustic materials are a common feature within old traditional English gardens. Historically, these gardens have been added to over many decades and even centuries. Brick walls slowly fragment and weather while natural stone walls become colonised by plants. This is all a part of the rustic charm of English gardens. Try to add as many rustic materials as you can to your garden design. 

​13. Vegetable gardens 

​The English have had a long tradition of growing vegetables in within their gardens. From the walled gardens of the middle ages to the digging for victory campaign in the Second World War. In English gardens vegetable plots and allotments are not just about producing vegetables. Vegetables beds are also grown as a decorative feature with rows of varying foliage colours and textures. 

​14. Scented plants

​Scented plants have long been a popular part of English garden particularly along pathways and seating areas. Plants with scented leaves like lavender are a popular choice along the front of planting borders and raised beds. One of the most loved scented plants for English gardens are climbing plants. These can be grown around seating areas using trellis and pergola structures. 

15. English roses

​If you were to pick one plant which represents English gardens the rose would be the most celebrated. Roses have long held a prestigious status within English gardens for their beautiful flowers and sweetly scented blooms. It is common for large rose beds to be planted down from the prevailing wind. This is so pathways and seating areas can bathe within their intoxicating fragrance. 

​16. Archways

​Archways are a typical feature within English gardens and traditionally used at the entrance to cottage gardens. Archways add the perfect separation between varying garden zones adding transition into new spaces. They are also the perfect opportunity to showcase attractive climbing plants, especially those with scented blooms. Metal arches are particularly popular in traditional English gardens.  

17. ​Courtyards

​The English courtyard has evolved over many centuries and had many influences. Due to England’s changeable weather gardens were often surrounded with large walls to increase shelter and microclimate. This enabled the ability to grow a broad arrangement of plants over a longer season. Why not create your own courtyard effect by creating enclosed spaces within your English garden?  

​18. Decorative greenhouses

​The English have always been obsessed with exotic plants and pushing the boundaries of their unpredictable climate. During Britain’s Empire until the Victorian period English gardens had decorative greenhouses full of exotic plants. The Victorian greenhouse had a distinct style with an essentially English feel. This makes such glasshouses a great addition to any English garden design. 

​19. Seasonal drama

​England has always had very distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. This means the English gardener has always had to respond to changing conditions. Consequently English gardens have always worked hard to provide interest all year round. This takes horticultural knowledge and meticulous planning! Make sure your borders provide interest during every season. 

​20. Masonry walls

​Masonry walls have been use within English construction for centuries. Masonry encompasses natural stone and contextual man made blocks such as brick. Natural stone and rock walls have been built across rural Britain for many years. These rustic walls make the perfect vertical to courtyards and raised beds. Rustic red bricks are also perfect for giving an authentic feel to English style gardens. 

21. ​A touch of the exotic

​England was the world’s first, global empire whose influence reached every corner of the planet. The British were fascinated by exotic plants from distant lands and could not wait to show off their discoveries. This led to many English gardens having a great number of exotic plant varieties. Consequently it is quite exciting to add novelty exotics to your own garden such as hardy Kiwi or Banana!  

​22. Pot planting

​English gardens have always incorporated pots into their designs especially around doorways and seating areas. As England has a changeable climate pots allow you move plants around as conditions dictate. This is especially so for more exotic varieties such as Citrus fruits and palms. England has relatively high levels of rainfall so pots have been traditionally used for plants that like well drained conditions. 

​23. Hanging baskets

​If you go to any country pub in England during the summer you will see the most magnificent hanging baskets! Hanging baskets are an obsession in the UK with rural communities competing to create the best displays. Hanging baskets are a great way to soften walls and add colour to pergolas and other structures. 

​24. Formal lawns

​It has been said many times that England is a green and pleasant land and it is true! Lawns have become an essential part of the English garden and landscape. In English garden lawns provide the perfect places to relax and play games like cricket. The perfectly level lawn can also create a fantastic foundation for extravagantly planted and colourful borders. 

​25. Orchards

​Orchards have had a rich and cultural significance within English gardens for centuries. Before large commercial agriculture England was covered in a patchwork of small holdings and orchards. These orchards provided crops like apples and cobnuts and had a high decorative value. In English gardens fruit and nut trees provide much seasonal interest as well as food for the table. 

​26. Traditional planting

​English gardens have quite a wide planting pallet when it comes to planting borders. However there is quite a traditional look and feel to English garden planting. Borders are typically generous and full of well balanced colour combinations. It is always effective to plant traditional plants such as Roses, Hollyhocks, Foxgloves, Lavender and Peony. 

​27. Climbers

​Climbers have always been utilised within English gardens to soften walls and buildings. This can also been seen within rural villages and large country estates. It is very common for climbing plants to adorn garden structures such as arches and Pergolas. English gardens love to grow scented climbers such as climbing rose and jasmine. Decorative climbers such as Wisteria, Clematis and Boston ivy are also very popular.  

​28. Herb gardens

​Herb gardens date back many centuries in English gardens and were used for herbal remedies and teas. Kitchen gardens also have always featured where the English garden meets the home for culinary uses. Traditional herbs like Rosemary, thyme and sage were grown for used for stews or meat roasts. Herb gardens are a great way to add a functional aspect to your English garden. 

​29. English colour combinations

​One of the things English gardens are famous for is their well balanced colour combinations. Borders are typically planted with flower displays which are both harmonious and dazzling. Flower combinations such as white and red or pinks, blues and purples are used as if painting on canvas. When you are planting your English garden think about what colour combinations you can incorporate. 

30. ​Outdoor dining

​No English garden should be without a defined seating area for outside socialising and dining. As England has long cold winters when the weather improves everyone spends as much time outside as possible. English garden dining areas are often positioned next to good views or planting displays. Traditional sandstone patios or gravel seating areas are great places to plan for outdoor dining. 

​31. Raised beds 

​English gardens have utilised raised beds within their designs as they have many advantages. As England has high rainfall totals and variable soils, raised beds increase drainage and help to improve soil quality. This allows for better growing conditions for a broad range of plants. Raised beds are also used to raise up planting schemes to surround you in foliage and colour. 

​32. Spaces for wildlife  

​If you walk through any established English garden you will notice amble birdsong and insect activity. This is because English gardens plant a diverse range of plant specimens attractive to many species of wildlife. In recent times biodiversity and planting for wildlife has become even more popular within English garden designs. Why not create some spaces for wildlife within your project by planting a broad range of species attractive to wildlife?

​Thank you for reading our article on the 32 English garden ideas! Below I will link to some of our other English garden articles you may find interesting. 

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