THINK of lush blooms swaying gently, winding soft stone footpaths inviting you to who knows where and the rustling sound of grasses nodding along in the breeze.
Butterflies zig zag from scented clematis and roses to foxgloves and jasmine climbing round your door – as water softly gurgles from a fountain.
Sound good?
Then you’ll probably be a fan of romantic .
They’ve been around for about 300 years – initially designed as a reaction to the strict formal, geometrical designs that went before them.
But what’s great – and why they’re emerging as a serious trend this year – is that they’re easy to create in your outside space, look stunning – and promote positive .
Garden designer Nilufer Danis is building a romantic garden called ‘The Three Graces of Galicia’ at RHS Hampton flower show – which starts on Tuesday – and is a big advocate for creating beautiful, serene spaces that evoke a sense of calm and wellbeing but are also designed with the environment in mind.
She told how to create your own.
“Forget about the more contemporary geometric shapes – and think more organic – like winding paths, with shaded covers like a pavilion, , or lots of trellis”;, she said.
“You’re aiming for lots of climbers – like , star of jasmine, lavenders and perennials like – and you want scented flowers rather than evergreens and green foliage plants.
“And – with their nice trickle of water – are not only lovely, but birds and insects like them.
“Pastel colours are really important – they give a dreamy feel – and it’s not very clean and neat – it should be more overgrown”;
From Tuesday, Lidl will be selling an English Lavender collection of three pots, for £3.99.
While Crocus has got pots of Salvia ‘Victoria Blue’ for £3.50 – reduced from £6.99.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) generally blooms from mid-summer to late summer.
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) can bloom in flushes from late spring to late summer, especially if pruned after each flush.
Nilufer’s Romantic Garden at Hampton celebrates the power of literature, identity, and resilience through the legacy of three iconic 19th-century Spanish women — RosalÃa de Castro, Emilia Pardo Bazán, and Concepción Arenal.
She added ““I wanted to create a space that celebrates strength, resilience, and the transformative power of ideas. This garden is a tribute to Galicia’s rich literary and natural heritage — and an invitation for reflection on identity, justice, and the role of women in shaping the world.”;
Her plant list includes
–Camellia japonica– chosen for it’s glossy leaves and large colourful blooms are common in Galcian gardens
–Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer’thrives in Galicia’s cool, moist climate
–Rosa ‘The Ancient Mariner’ and Rose ‘Empress Josephine’– to add fragrance, timeless beauty and a touch of history
–Polystichum setiferum– is low maintenance and supports biodiversity
–Tall topiarytrees (Carpinus betulus)
