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HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN
SECRET GARDEN
ENGLISH GARDENS HAVE A MYSTIQUE TO THEM THAT IS HARD TO FIND ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD , BUT IT ’ S ALSO EQUALLY HARD TO PIGEONHOLE QUITE WHAT AN ENGLISH GARDEN ENTAILS . IS YOURS FILLED WITH WILDFLOWERS , TUMBLING SCENTED ROSES AND MEANDERING STONE PATHWAYS ? OR IS IT GRAND LAWNS , PERFECTLY SHAPED YEWS AND COLOURFUL FLOWER BEDS ? WHATEVER YOUR VISION OF AN ENGLISH GARDEN MAY BE , THE ONE THING MOST OF US CAN AGREE ON IS THAT ENGLISH GARDENS ARE SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN THE WORLD . AND WHAT COULD BE MORE EXCITING THAN CREATING YOUR OWN LITTLE ENGLISH GARDEN HIDEAWAY ?
Here are insideKENT ’ s Top Tips for creating the perfect English ‘ secret garden ’:
1 . Create a Special Entranceway
The magic of Frances Hodgeson Burnett ’ s novel begins with an entrance ; the heavy , ivy-laden iron gate with the giant key to unlock it . Now putting a giant iron gate in your garden may not be the most practical suggestion , so instead you could mark the beginning of your secret garden with an archway of flowers or a little painted wooden gate .
2 . Create a Sense of Privacy
To create the sensation of your garden being ‘ secret ’ you need to create a sense of it being private and hidden away ; somewhere only the lucky can escape to . You can achieve this with peephole windows ; colourful , thick draping curtains that divide off areas or lattice fencing that you cleverly plant up .
3 . Create Curved Pathways
Meandering pathways that feel like they are taking you on a journey where the destination isn ’ t quite yet known , are an essential part of creating your ‘ secret garden .’ A clever idea is to place an arbor or tall potted plants on the bends , so you can ’ t quite see where the path will take you next .
4 . Make Sure There is Plenty of Shade
The sun beating down into your secret garden , leaving you sweating and uncomfortable , isn ’ t quite the feeling you want to be going for . Mottled light created by trees is the perfect way to add a bit of sweat free romance to your garden .
5 . Provide a Destination
As in life , the best bit is always the journey , but if you can make the destination special too , then all the better . Whether it ' s a comfortable seating area , a table for alfresco dining , a hot tub or simply a bench , make the journey even better by creating a lovely destination .
6 . Don ’ t Forget Lighting
Beautiful lighting can change the entire atmosphere of an area and really give a sense of romance . Fairy lights , tree uplighting , discreet flower bed lights or if you ’ re really feeling brave , candle light will transform your secret garden into something that really wows .
7 . Romantic Touches
This is all about the element of surprise , which is crucial if you want to delight . Little sculptures , water features , or even hanging chandeliers will be the finishing touches to creating a garden you will never forget .
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