Not only is garden whimsy great for adding personality to your space, but it can also have a number of benefits for your mental health. For one, it can help reduce stress and anxiety. Garden whimsy can also provide you with a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment. Last but not least, it can boost your mood and provide you with a sense of tranquility.
You don’t have to be a professional gardener to add whimsy to your garden. In fact, even if you don’t have a garden at all. There are many beautiful public gardens you can visit, and enjoy the benefits of a whimsical garden. What is garden whimsy? It’s basically adding elements to your garden that make it more fun and playful. This can be anything from colorful flowers to fun garden sculptures.
If you’re interested in adding garden whimsy to your life, here are a few tips to get you started:
How to Add Garden Whimsy
A garden should be a reflection of your personality and style. If you want your garden to have a sense of whimsy, there are a few easy ways to achieve this. One way is to choose fun and colorful plants.
Bright flowers and foliage will add a touch of playfulness to your garden. Another way to add whimsy is to use decorative objects such as gazing balls, statuary, or bird baths. These items can help to create a fantasy-like setting that will make your garden feel like a magical place.
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Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and forms in your garden. Curved paths, arbors, and trellises can all help to give your garden a sense of whimsy. Another approach is to choose plants that are unexpected or unusual.
For instance, you could plant a bed of daffodils alongside rustic wooden sculptures. Or, you could add playful elements like a fairy garden or a whimsical birdhouse. With a bit of imagination, you can quickly transform your garden into a delightful space that reflects your unique personality.
For more whimsical examples, check our article: 10 Ways To Add A Little Whimsy To Your Garden.
Examples of Whimsical Gardens
If you’re ever feeling stuck in a gardening rut, take a cue from these fantastically whimsical gardens from around the world. From topiary animals to diversionary optical illusions, these out-of-the-box designs will leave you inspired to think outside the box for your own garden.
The Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, New Zealand, is perhaps one of the most iconic movie sets turned into a whimsical garden. The site was used as the filming location for the Shire in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.
Today, visitors can explore the 14-acre gardens complete with over 44 hobbit holes, Bridge to Bag End, a double-arched bridge, and a mill.
Check out Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France. This romantic garden is where you can explore the landscapes that inspired The Water Lily Pond and The Artist’s Garden at Giverny.
Abundant flowers entice you to linger and enjoy the 2.5-acre garden as well as the artist’s cottage.
Two fun gardens in Singapore offer tons of garden inspiration in a tropical setting. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a large garden in the center of the city. Being close to the famous Orchard Rd makes it an easy day trip for any visiting tourist. One of the newest and most futuristic gardens is Gardens By The Bay.
A complex of lush garden art studded grounds, cooled conservatories in shell-shaped greenhouses and the famous Supertrees. Each conservatory has its own distinct climate – the Flower Dome has a cool-dry zone with habitats representative of the Mediterranean, South African savannahs, and arid deserts. The Cloud Forest is a cool-moist lush biome that contains one of the tallest indoor waterfalls.
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No list of whimsical gardens would be complete without mentioning the world-famous Queen Mary’s Gardens in Regent’s Park, London. This 8-acre garden features over 12,000 roses of 400 different varieties. The gardens are also home to a number of impressive topiary sculptures including an elephant, giraffe, and two lions.
There are also plenty of whimsical gardens to be found in the United States. One of the most famous is Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, which features over 11,000 different types of plants spread out over 1,077 acres. The gardens include a 4-acre Conservatory with ten different rooms, each with its own climate and plantings.
In addition, there are fountains, an oak tree allée, and a 9-acre meadow filled with wildflowers. No matter what type of garden you’re looking for, chances are you’ll be able to find it at Longwood Gardens.
Another place to look for whimsical garden inspiration is the Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon. This internationally recognized garden features eight distinct gardens, each with its own design and plantings. The Natural Garden, for example, focuses on native plants, while the Stroll Garden includes a meandering path that leads to a teahouse. Other
gardens feature more traditional elements, such as bonsai trees, weeping cherries, and stone lanterns. No matter what your interests are, the Portland Japanese Garden is sure to have something that will inspire you.
Close to our heart is the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. Located in Papago Park, this 140-acre garden frequently hosts artist installations. A collection of over 50,000 plants showcasing the breathtaking diversity of the desert. During the hot summer months, there are many after dark events. One of our favorite events is the celebration of Día de Los Muertos at the Garden.
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to add whimsy to your garden. Whether you choose to plant unusual flowers, use decorative objects, or create an optical illusion, a little bit of imagination can go a long way in adding personality and charm to your outdoor space. So get creative and have fun!
Benefits of a Whimsical Garden
A whimsical garden is a fun and festive way to show off your personality. By incorporating colorful plants, playful sculptures, and other charming details, you can create a space that is truly unique.
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In addition to being visually appealing, a whimsical garden can also be a great conversation starter. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet moment in your own backyard, a whimsical garden is sure to attract attention and spark imagination.
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In addition to being visually appealing, whimsical gardens can also be great places to relax and unwind. The playful atmosphere can help to reduce stress, and the cheerful colors can boost your mood. Whether you’re looking to add personality to your yard or simply want a fun place to relax, a whimsical garden may be the perfect solution.
Tips for creating your own whimsical garden
1. Choose colorful plants: One of the easiest ways to add whimsy to your garden is to choose colorful plants. Look for flowers in shades of pink, blue, and purple. Or, try planting a mix of brightly-colored annuals and perennials.
2. Incorporate fun sculptures: Statues, gnomes, and other types of sculptures can add a sense of fun to your garden. When selecting sculptures, look for ones that reflect your personal interests and sense of humor.
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3. Use decorative objects: Old buckets, wheelbarrows, and other types of decorative objects can add character to your space. Place these objects around your garden to create an eclectic and inviting atmosphere.
4. Create an optical illusion: Add interest to your garden by creating an optical illusion. Try using mirrors to reflect light or plant tall flowers in front of shorter ones.
5. Have fun: The most important thing to remember when creating a whimsical garden is to have fun! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. With a little imagination, you can create a space that is truly one-of-a-kind.
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