Garden Design Styles to Choose from This Spring

When it comes to creating the garden of your dreams, the world is your oyster. Here in the Midwest, we get a combination of heat and cool, rain and sun, and have a richness of natural habitats that leaves gardens open to countless planting possibilities. Our advice to you is: let your imagination wander. If there’s something you’ve always wanted in your outdoor space – or that you’ve envied in the landscapes of others – now is the time to start envisioning that in order to make it a reality. 

7 Examples of Popular Types of Gardens

A garden can be anything you want it to be. People are getting creative in terms of how they define their garden and what can be done with their outdoor spaces, regardless of the region they’re in. It doesn’t have to be big to pack a punch. Taking a look at the variety of garden styles throughout the Midwest, both formal and informal, may open your mind to something you didn’t think was possible. Here are some ideas that may inspire what to plant, how it will look, and what else can be included in the surrounding space.

Cottage Gardens

Design an informal, British-style garden using traditional materials and densely planted ornamental and edible greenery.

Vertical Gardens 

Short on space? Include tall or upright plants to highlight inclines or raised beds and layered planting in narrow plots of land.

Sensory Gardens

Combine the sound of trickling water with visuals and textures that provoke emotions such as peace or joy.

Herb Gardens

Set aside a little space for plants that can be consumed.

Sustainable Gardens 

Focus on plants that will thrive in your local climate.

Decorative Tile Gardens

Spruce up the surrounding space with tile work.

Pergolas & Gazebos

Build something to escape to and get some me-time surrounded by beauty. 

Incorporate a Colorful Flower Bed

Some of the most interesting gardens have different elements or sections, perhaps divided by a pathway, trees or hedges, or a structure like a deck or pergola. But bright, colorful flowers are universally beloved and can be incorporated into just about any garden. A flower bed filled with masses of color that bloom from spring through fall is a sure attention grabber. There are different ways to make this happen – whether a flower bed filled with masses of the same plant, such as a bed of impatiens or roses, or a mix of colors and shapes. 

Think Outside the Box: Include Touches of Your Natural Habitat

Nearby landscapes and wild habitats are a wonderful source of inspiration for budding garden designers (pun intended). Consider including some native plants and pollinators that will flourish in your space more naturally. What is planted, and where, can make a big difference later on by encouraging local wildlife. A landscaping expert can discuss ways to strengthen, extend or replicate aspects of your landscape to encourage birds, beneficial insects or other wildlife. 

Four ways this can occur naturally:

• Extend a tree line.
• Augment or build a hedgerow. 
• Connect to a meadow or prairie. 
• Include a small pond or wetland.

Escape in a Newly Constructed Backyard Oasis

A garden doesn’t have to be all plants and flowers. There are countless options when it comes to hardscapes and other spaces that make it easier to experience the outdoors. How about a stone patio with benches or a table so you can enjoy breakfast in the great outdoors? From patios and streams to stepper paths, explore ways to add a sense of intrigue to the mix.

Find a Landscaping Design Partner with Midwestern Gardening Expertise

Creating the perfect design for your garden is also about ensuring the highest quality in a partner who can collaborate on the right plan for your space. This means hiring the right landscaping service to help you choose the right materials, one that will possess horticultural expertise so your garden doesn’t just grow but thrive. 

Contact Sheldon Landscapes to get started on your garden design. We bring a broad range of knowledge to ensure each unique outdoor space gets just what it needs. Our full-service solution will also be there to make any adjustments as your landscape changes. Visit us online to find out more!