The vesical garden

Gone are the days when there was a need for formal, heavily cultivated gardens. Now, homeowners are turning to informal and natural-looking gardens like cottage gardens, lawn gardens, and rustic gardens—and the whimsical garden is a new garden aesthetic to add to that list. Think of it as the edgier, more eclectic cousin of the English cottage garden. Characterized by unique patterns, pops of color, unexpected features, and plenty of creativity, this upcoming style will be huge in 2023. Here's what you need to know about creating a whimsical garden in your home.

What is a whimsical garden?

The eccentric garden style adds awe and wonders to your landscape. Steve Eakin, founder of Love My Bonsai, says, "It should be maximal rather than minimal in design. I think Alice in Wonderland meets the whimsical aesthetic, and you've basically got it."

These gardens have an abundance of texture, color, and whimsical features and shapes that create a fairytale-like sense of wonder. You'll find curved cobblestone paths, unique water features, garden benches, fairy houses, unexpected planters, mushroom and gnome statues, wind chimes, and lots of string lights. Aaron Green of Essential Home and Garden says: "A whimsical garden can be imaginative, creative and at first glance a bit confusing. "A whimsical garden doesn't have a formula or set plan, and that's the best part about it."

How to achieve a whimsical garden aesthetic

Eccentric gardens can be considered the opposite of formal garden style. Where formal gardens call for straight lines, harmony, classic accents, and simplicity, whimsical gardens throw those strict guidelines out the window. Instead, organic shapes, quirky and unique decorations, bright colors, and non-traditional accents create a whimsical aesthetic. Whatever that means to you, focus on creating a space that evokes feelings of wonder and excitement.

"A whimsical garden is about bringing the unexpected into the outdoor space," says Amy Hovis, principal designer at award-winning landscape design and creation studio Eden Garden Design. “It's fun to use objects, materials, or design criteria that you would normally expect in a home. For example, choose textiles, lamps, chandeliers, and tables, or add custom placemats or even a fireplace. And don't be afraid to create a fun focal point: Hovis suggests a floor with rows of established plantings (like boxwood, for example) that look like a maze or a large outdoor chess set. Enjoy it, with these tips to guide you.

Create visual interest in plants

Eccentric gardens aren't just about cute and quirky statues and decorations; The plants you choose play a big role in the overall design. Choose plants, shrubs, and trees with unique and unexpected shapes to add some visual interest to your landscape with plenty of bright, bold colors.

"For example, dwarf plants, plants with excessively large leaves, vines, succulents, and brightly colored flowers," suggests Green. When choosing plants for your garden, keep in mind the climate of your region, along with the work and maintenance you're willing to put into your garden.

Exercise control

The key to creating a whimsical garden that looks modern and beautiful rather than kitschy and overdone is exercising restraint and knowing where to draw the line, Hovis says. Stick to a few whimsical elements for a garden so it doesn't overwhelm the eyes.

Keep basic design principles such as scale, balance, and harmony in mind when planning your landscape to ensure the finished product is intentional and well put together. “Things like different colors, or lots of things in a small space, can make it feel bigger… If you want a more cohesive look, stick to a limited color palette, create a sense of flow with curved paths, add some hidden elements and surprise elements, and remember that less is more. Get it," says Green.