With Valentine’s Day coming up, you may have love and romance on your mind. A romantic garden can be a hugely romantic spot, perfect both for fledgeling romances and to celebrate long-lasting love. Whether you want to woo, or are looking to add some romance to an existing relationship, here are some tips to help you create a garden which can be a romantic place to be:
Create a Sense of Privacy and Enclosure for a Romantic Garden
One of the most important things when trying to create a romantic garden is creating a sense of privacy where you and your loved one can share quality time away from prying eyes.
It is a good idea when designing a garden to think carefully about the positioning of key features like sheds, greenhouses or polytunnels, gazebos, pergolas etc. and also key trees, shrubs and other planting. Think about sight-lines, and how you can make the space feel more peaceful and enclosed – even when you live in a town or city.
One thing to remember is that a sense of romance can always be fostered by a sense of seclusion, and an element of secrecy can add to the appeal. Separate your garden into different ‘rooms’ and you can create that sense of secrecy and element of surprise. You can ensure that your garden does not give up all its secrets at first glance, but takes you on a journey where you feel that something new and exciting might lie around every corner.
Incorporate Small Seating and Dining Areas for Two
As you plan the space, think carefully about how you will use it. Creating small and intimate spaces where couples can sit or eat together can help to give your garden a romantic vibe. There are plenty of ways to create wonderful romantic spots perfect for two in any garden. You might, for example, consider:
- An arbour or bower with a shady spot made for two.
- An archway trellis with climbers, with a bench seat below.
- A small patio screened by dense planting.
- A romantic spot nestled in at the back of a greenhouse or polytunnel.
- A lush meadow area where you can lay a blanket for picnics and sunbathing.
You might make a garden building into a cozy retreat, the end destination on a journey on a winding pathway down your garden. Or make a little nook close to your home, for quick morning coffees, or lingering summer evenings after dark.
Opt for Flowers in Romantic Hues in a Romantic Garden
Reds and hot pinks, and soft whites and pastel hues are often considered to create a romantic feel in a garden. Colours can certainly alter our moods, and choosing flowers in the right hues can help you achieve the atmosphere that you are going for in your garden. Be sure to consider incorporating plenty of perennial plants, which bloom throughout as much of the year as possible.
Of course, flowers are not just attractive to us. They can also bring pollinators and beneficial predatory insects to your garden. And there can be something very romantic about the sound of buzzing bees, and the sight of butterflies and so much other beautiful wildlife enjoying the space as much as you do.
Set the Mood for Romance With Fragrance and Lighting
Our mood is not just impacted by the sights and sounds in our garden, but by how it smells too. Incorporating plenty of fragrant flowers and aromatic herbs close to your romantic seating and dining areas can help you create a romantic atmosphere for you and your loved one to enjoy.
Planting lavender, roses, jasmine, honeysuckle, or numerous other delightfully scented plants can enhance the space and create a pleasing ambiance in your romantic garden.
Lighting can also, of course, help you to create a romantic mood. Whether it is the flickering flames of a firepit or outdoors fireplace or chiminea, or romantic lanterns and festoons of fairy lights, lighting can help you create the right atmosphere for romance.
But remember, some of the time, the moon and the stars may provide all the romance you need. So be sure to let them shine and don’t overdo the non-natural lighting.
Create a Space With Plenty of Projects to Work On Together
But true romance and real love stories are not about where you are, and certainly not about what you might buy for one another. A romantic garden, above all else, should simply be a place where two people can enjoy spending time together.
A romantic garden should be a space where there are plenty of projects to work on. Those who garden together, learn skills together, build and grow together, really can develop closer and more long-lasting bonds.
A romantic garden should always have something on the go – shared goals and shared projects in a garden can bring people closer, and are a reason to be outside spending some quality time in each other’s company. So a romantic garden should allow growing your own food, composting, harvesting rainwater, and working on other projects to become a bigger part of your way of life.
When you have a garden that enables close collaboration, shared goals and shared triumphs, it can really be a space where true romance and true love can bloom.
My husband and I met quite young. We have been together now for very nearly 20 years (married for over 17). We spend quite a lot of time together in our garden, which is infinitely better than celebrating a single day with non-sustainable hot-house flowers, gifts or cards.
So rather than buying each other something this Valentine’s Day – why not work on your garden together? A romantic garden could be just what you need to find enduring love.
If you would like to share stories of your own garden romances, or share your own tips for a romantic space, please do get in touch using the links below.
