Gardens: Secret Gardens That Add a Touch of Magic
From leafy passageways to rose-strewn archways, the best gardens are the ones you least expect...
There’s something rather delightful about stumbling upon a secret little corner or hidden seating area at the bottom of the garden – however small. There may not be fairies in this here realm, but there are ways aplenty to sprinkle some magic dust on your outdoor space that are guaranteed make it sparkle! Check out these lovely secretive gardens to get you in the mood…
Boost drama with a mysterious gate
I blame Alice in Wonderland, but give me one pretty-as-a-picture closed gate and I’ll give you 10 enchanted admirers who can’t wait to pass over the threshold. A design with cut-out sections gives a hint of the treasures beyond.
I blame Alice in Wonderland, but give me one pretty-as-a-picture closed gate and I’ll give you 10 enchanted admirers who can’t wait to pass over the threshold. A design with cut-out sections gives a hint of the treasures beyond.
Create the illusion of space
Great things come in small packages, but this cosy little garden dining area feels bigger than it is thanks to the mirror next the the table. Unless it’s a secret portal through to another dimension, of course…
See how to throw the perfect garden party
Great things come in small packages, but this cosy little garden dining area feels bigger than it is thanks to the mirror next the the table. Unless it’s a secret portal through to another dimension, of course…
See how to throw the perfect garden party
Go for a woodland living room
A little bit woodland, a little bit smart conservatory… The beauty of this walled alfresco seating area is the unexpectedness of it all. Beautiful, freshly cut hydrangeas set amid creeping ivy add to the mysterious atmosphere.
A little bit woodland, a little bit smart conservatory… The beauty of this walled alfresco seating area is the unexpectedness of it all. Beautiful, freshly cut hydrangeas set amid creeping ivy add to the mysterious atmosphere.
Add romance with a rose arch
If roses be the flowers love, then a rose archway must the harbinger of great romance. Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it… But seriously, you can’t go far wrong with an abundance of these fabulous fragrant blooms arching over a verdant pathway.
If roses be the flowers love, then a rose archway must the harbinger of great romance. Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it… But seriously, you can’t go far wrong with an abundance of these fabulous fragrant blooms arching over a verdant pathway.
Tuck in secluded seating
Whatever you place at the bottom of the garden, people will always want to go there. Not only will it pique their curiosity, there’s something rather romantic about a secret rendezvous on a hidden bench…
Whatever you place at the bottom of the garden, people will always want to go there. Not only will it pique their curiosity, there’s something rather romantic about a secret rendezvous on a hidden bench…
Create a sheltered haven
Ah, we love our families (well, most of them, anyway) but sometimes we all need a bit of ‘me’ time – or just some peace and quiet to write a report or read the paper. A secluded table and chair should do the trick.
Ah, we love our families (well, most of them, anyway) but sometimes we all need a bit of ‘me’ time – or just some peace and quiet to write a report or read the paper. A secluded table and chair should do the trick.
Make your wall do all the work
If you don’t have much space, then you need to make the most of every inch – and this is where your wall could come in handy. Create a country idyll – or quiet leafy corner, anyway – with a pretty vertical garden, or simply hang planters for a similar effect.
Check out living walls
If you don’t have much space, then you need to make the most of every inch – and this is where your wall could come in handy. Create a country idyll – or quiet leafy corner, anyway – with a pretty vertical garden, or simply hang planters for a similar effect.
Check out living walls
Have fun with garden art
Have you spotted the lovely (if somewhat stony-faced) lady lurking in the shrubbery? She adds an air of mystery and timelessness to this pretty walled garden. Be bold with your garden accessories – unexpected treasures are always a welcome surprise.
Have you spotted the lovely (if somewhat stony-faced) lady lurking in the shrubbery? She adds an air of mystery and timelessness to this pretty walled garden. Be bold with your garden accessories – unexpected treasures are always a welcome surprise.
Don’t be afraid to run wild and free
This luscious garden isn’t overgrown – it’s been left to flourish and grow at will for a magical wild mood – perfect for carefree afternoons in the sunshine with a good book.
This luscious garden isn’t overgrown – it’s been left to flourish and grow at will for a magical wild mood – perfect for carefree afternoons in the sunshine with a good book.















It’s a fact of life that we always want what we can’t have or see… So make your garden more desirable by allowing just a hint of what awaits those lucky enough to enter from the outside.