9 Design Ideas for a Magical Garden

 

 

My mom is moving into a retirement community soon and we have been on quest to make her indoor atrium and outdoor patio something that she could really enjoy.  Both sections only have tile with absolutely no place to actually plant so this is definitely going to be a potted garden.  One of the main things we are looking for in design is a place she can kick back, read a book and enjoy her two cats.  Plus have little surprises here and there for her three grandchildren to enjoy.  We found some wonderful ideas via Pinterest (love that site) and I wanted to share these ideas with you all.  These could be incorporated into any style garden but especially those who are short on space but want a garden they can enjoy with the kids.

 

 

 

A Bohemian-style Garden:

I really like how they mix-matched the furniture to get an overall bohemian style garden area.  Outdoor stools can be picked up at any garage or local Salvation Army for next to nothing.  Add a cute tablecloth and some cushions and you are set for your next dinner party or tea party.  I picked this image because I really like how the flowers are growing up the wall – this is perfect for a patio garden and would cover the walls nicely.  Image found on Pinterest.

 

 

 

Small but Cozy:

Doesn’t this area just make you wish you could jump right in and curl up with a nice cup of coffee or tea and read a book!  I like how they used indoor style furniture and brought it outside.  I think if it is covered under a terrace or umbrella or you live in mild weather this would be just fine.  This image was found on Lady Inspiras jons blogg.   It looks like she linked to Ikea for her outdoor furniture.  They definitely have reasonable prices for families!  And I love the modern furniture they offer.

 

 

A Colorful Display:

Love this gorgeous combination of plants and flowers!  What could be a sterile area with the metal staircase has turned into a mysterious walkway with the addition of the plants along the side and going up the staircase.  It really doesn’t take a ton of plants to get the look you want but definitely experiment and ask the folk at your local nursery what plants do well with low to medium sun.  I know that is always my biggest problem – knowing where I should place our plants in our patio as half of the patio gets full sun and half gets partial sun.  Take a little extra time to find out to ensure your plants are happiest where you place them. Image found on Pinterest.

 

 

 

 

Enjoy a Vertical Garden:

Just love this idea of using comfy floor cushions on your patio or deck.  And that yellow piece of furniture looks fantastic!  Just make sure this is put in a covered area.  The plants growing in the wall panels look amazing and what a unique way to add some greenery to the walls.  You can find these pockets at most nurseries or online at Amazon.  You could probably even make your own if you are handy or so inclined.  Image found on Pinterest.

 

 

 

Succulents are the BEST:

Just love succulents for  many reasons.  I like the way they look great in any style garden and take very little care.  So even the person with the worst green thumb just might find they can grow succulents easily. I like how these pots all match and do a search for inexpensive pots.  There is such a range of prices on pots so make sure you look at your favorite discounted stores like Walmart, Costco and Target or even Amazon. Inhabitat provides a great tutorial on how to make your own vertical succulent garden here.

 

 

 

Staghorn Ferns Make an Interesting Conversation Piece:

I first came across a staghorn fern at a friends house.  Her family has just moved into a new place and the previous owners left behind their staghorn that was gorwing on the patio wall.  It really was love at first sight and I was lucky enough to come across a large one at an estate sale right around the time we purchased our first home.  “Earl” is doing fine and going on about 45 years now!  They don’t take a ton of upkeep but they sure do garner a lot of conversation!  You can add some real horns to your wall display for some added fun.  Image found on Pinterest.

 

 

 

 

 

Transform Old Furniture:

Love this idea from Better Homes and Gardens.  They used an old armoire and painted it this fantastic color for a great place to tinker in while gardening.  To read how to make your own furniture garden center go here.

 

 

 

 

A Fairy Addition:

Don’t forget to place some areas for the local fairies who stop by (the kids will love to hear this story).  I love this idea and you can either make your own doors and windows or find them on Etsy for a pretty good price.  Image found on 1001 Gardens.org.

 

 

A Fairy Door:

I just love how this looks!  And I just know the kids will love to peek through to see if anyone is home.  You can find this door and many other choices from a seller on Etsy.  So creative!

 

What are some of your favorite ways to help bring in spring and summer into your garden?

 

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