The past couple of decades have seen a trend towards sleek, minimalist gardens with beloved features of the 1900s, such as gnomes and colourful spinning pinwheels, seemingly becoming a thing of the past.
However, many are now opting to return to the fairytale gardens of old with an added modern twist – who said elegance and fun can’t work alongside each other?! If a whimsical garden is more your style, here are some top tips from garden design expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk to get you started:
Select Colourful Plants
When selecting plants for your garden, choose a variety of vibrant colours and interesting shapes. Bright colours such as reds, oranges, and yellows will bring a touch of warmth and energy, whereas pastel shades create a calm, tranquil atmosphere.
Some great plants to consider include sunflowers to create bright and cheerful focal points, lavender to add a splash of colour as well as soothing scent, and snapdragons whose unique shape will offer a playful touch. The choice is yours as to whether you select a single colour scheme or turn your garden into a beautiful rainbow paradise.
Embrace the Wild
If a perfectly pristine and orderly garden isn’t your thing and you want to opt for more of the countryside cottage aesthetic, wildflowers are an excellent choice. These versatile plants add charm to any garden whilst also being low maintenance and great for attracting bees and other pollinators.
Autumn is the best season for creating a wildflower meadow as they are usually perennials which will die back in winter and regrow each year. Try limiting your wildflower area to borders or small areas, as this will allow you to bring in this stunning rustic feel without entirely overwhelming your garden space.
Incorporate Unique Furniture
Garden furniture doesn’t have to be coordinated, and mismatched furniture will add a charming and unusual feel to the space. Consider placing different styles and shapes of chairs, which you can even paint bright colours for that extra fun touch.
Combine these seats with a vintage table decorated with mosaic tiles and you have the perfect setting for your very own Alice in Wonderland style tea party. For a cosy relaxing corner, hang some swinging seats from sturdy tree branches and get curled up with your favourite book.
Add Whimsical Decorations
Add to the whimsical décor of your garden by incorporating quirky garden ornaments and decorations. Brightly painted birdhouses will bring a certain charm to the area whilst attracting stunning wildlife to dazzle amongst the fairytale features. You could even tuck some ‘fairy houses’ in corners or under trees and bushes for an extra touch of magic.
Wind chimes are another great feature to enhance the aesthetic and overall vibe you are aiming to create. Not only will the colourful glass or metal add to the vibrancy of the space, but the sound of them lightly ringing in the wind is the essence of tranquillity.
Get Creative with Pathways
Winding pathways across grassy areas within your garden will add to the cottage feel. One idea is to use stepping stones, which can either be left in their natural colour or painted in bright colours and fun patterns. This is particularly fun for gardens where children will be playing as they can enjoy jumping across them.
Other materials that are great for pathways are wooden planks that can be arranged in a playful zigzag pattern, bark chips and gravel. Mix colourful glass pebbles in with gravel for a magical sparkling effect.
Include Water Elements
Add enchanting water elements to your garden that will make you feel like you are in a quaint clearing in a fairytale woodland. Miniature ponds with lily pads and small fish are a great way of achieving this effect – just make sure that they are covered or in an enclosed are if you have small children!
Bird baths decorated with colourful tiles and small, decorative fountains are also great options if your budget allows. For an extra whimsical touch, search for fountains that are shaped like woodland animals or mythical creatures.
Enhance with Lighting
Get creative with lighting to enhance the magical atmosphere. Outdoor fairy lights will look beautiful hung along fences or draped through trees and bushes. These lights come in simple colours such as whites and yellows or multi-coloured sets – either will look truly mesmerising in the evening.
Solar-powered lanterns are another great lighting feature and can be placed amongst flowerbeds or along pathways. Imagine walking down your beautifully lit pathway to reach your outdoor seating area at night – its like something from a dream!
Create Themed Areas
Creating themed areas within a garden can bring appeal for both children and adults alike. Ideas for areas include a fairy garden with tiny plants and fairy figurines, or an Alice in Wonderland area with oversized mushrooms and whimsical signposts – let your imagination run wild and do the work for you!
Within these themed areas, you can also start to add interactive elements that will be especially loved by children. Try adding secret doors that lead to hidden areas of the garden; puzzle paths with clues and riddles along the way, and musical instruments like outdoor xylophones or chimes.
Final Thoughts
Once you have chosen a theme for your garden, search for colourful, eclectic items that will make it a unique space that becomes your very own private escape from the world. Creating a fun, whimsical garden is as simple as experimenting with flowers, accessories, decorations, and lighting.
Sell Your Home Faster: 2025’s Must-Know Interior Design Trends
