Bringing the Indoors Out: Crafting Enchanting Garden Rooms
Growing up on a 20-acre hobby farm, I was blessed to witness the magic that my parents created through their passion for landscaping and gardening. My father would truck in enormous trees, 30 feet tall, and load up the property with boulders to line the outside boundaries. Then, my mom got to work, planting all sorts of smaller trees, bushes, vines, grasses, and flowers to soften the edges and bring about an irresistible sense of tranquility.
It was once my parents had established the perimeter that the real fun began – the creation of their beloved garden rooms. These secluded, partly enclosed spaces within the garden were where they would come to relax, dream, and plan their next project. Even as my father grew older, they ensured he had a cozy spot to sit and soak up the beauty of nature, rain or shine.
As my mom fondly shared, “Garden rooms are secluded and partly enclosed spaces within a garden that create room-like effects. They are not new and have actually been part of garden design for centuries.” Walls, hedges, fences, trellises, and strategically placed plants can all contribute to the boundaries of a garden room, creating a sense of intimacy and seclusion.
Crafting Your Own Outdoor Oasis
If you’re ready to transform your backyard into a series of enchanting garden rooms, the key is to start by making a list of all the activities you’d like to enjoy outdoors. Do you envision a tranquil space for meditation and relaxation? A lively area for entertaining guests? Or perhaps a dedicated zone for your green thumb to flourish?
Once you have a clear vision, it’s time to map out your yard and identify the areas best suited for each purpose. Just like designing the interior of your home, garden rooms should be sectioned off to accommodate specific functions, with thoughtful consideration given to how you’ll separate them from one another.
Bringing Your Garden Rooms to Life
One of my favorite examples of breathtaking garden rooms is the renowned Sissinghurst Castle in the UK. As described, the gardeners there utilized a large brick wall with doorways and windows, as well as towering hedges, trees, and bushes, to create a series of enchanting outdoor sanctuaries.
Inspired by this timeless design, I set out to craft my own garden oasis at our current property. With a blank slate of natural vegetation, large boulders, and breathtaking views, I had the perfect canvas to bring my vision to life. After much planning and hard work, I proudly present to you the four distinct garden rooms I’ve created to meet the needs of my family:
The Spa
The first outdoor space we tackled was what I affectionately call “The Spa.” Located at the back of our home, this area had to be blasted out of solid rock due to the steep slope. The result? A 12-foot-tall rock wall on two sides, the house on another, and a trellis with gates completing the enclosure – the perfect setting for a serene oasis.
During the blasting process, a large boulder with a hole from the drilling rig was left behind. This became the focal point for our stunning water feature. We dug a pond in front of it, lined it with pond liner, and adorned it with river rocks found on our property. Add in a pump, and voila – the most enchanting waterfall you’ve ever seen!
To enhance the spa-like ambiance, I’ve filled this space with lush vegetation, including my favorite peonies and lilies. Their elegant blooms and captivating fragrance truly transport you to a peaceful retreat. And to ensure we can enjoy this tranquil haven day or night, we’ve zig-zagged string lights from the rock wall to the main house, complemented by ground solar lights.
A1 Landscape Construction would be the perfect partner to help bring your dream spa garden room to life, with their expertise in thoughtful landscape design and meticulous craftsmanship.
The Think Tank
Next up, we have the area surrounding our vintage window greenhouse, which I’ve dubbed “The Think Tank.” The tall trellis, double arbors, and picket fence provide the sturdy boundaries, while each year, I plant a hedge of towering sunflowers along the inside to further enclose three sides of the space. The fourth side is left open from about 3 feet up to take in the breathtaking lake view.
This is where I come to plan my garden plantings, with the greenhouse serving as my second home office. It’s also the area I love to decorate for holidays, allowing me to get more use out of my treasured decor. The Think Tank is truly a place of peace and creativity, where I can let my mind wander and my green thumb flourish.
The Lab
Ah, “The Lab” – a brand new addition to our outdoor oasis. This is the area where I have the 32-tall raised garden beds gifted to me by Sproutbox Gardens. These metal-sided wonders have been an absolute lifesaver, protecting my seedlings from the pesky marmot families that have been plaguing our property.
But The Lab is more than just a practical solution – it’s a space for experimentation and discovery. This year, I’ve tried my hand at growing a variety of new flower varieties, from California poppies to snapdragons, celosia, yarrow, stocks, and larkspur. I’ve grouped the seedlings by color into the different beds, and it’s been a true joy to watch them thrive and bloom, providing a never-ending source of cutting flowers for my home.
The Observatory
Last but not least, we have “The Observatory” – a brand new garden room that I’m positively giddy about. At the heart of this space is a circular raised garden bed called “The Nest,” a unique product from Sproutbox Gardens. I’ve surrounded this special feature with a towering hedge of sunflowers, with pumpkins, canna lilies, lavender, and black-eyed Susans adding pops of color and texture.
As the sunflowers grow, they’ll create their own natural enclosure, transforming this area into a true oasis. I envision myself lying in the middle of The Nest, gazing up at the sky like I’m peering through a telescope. Or under the stars, surrounded by a circle of golden blooms – pure magic! This elevated vantage point also grants a bird’s-eye view of the entire garden, making it the perfect spot to plan my next horticultural masterpiece.
Cultivating Your Own Outdoor Sanctuary
Creating a series of distinct garden rooms has truly been a labor of love, but the rewards are endless. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a compact urban oasis, A1 Landscape Construction can help you transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary tailored to your unique lifestyle and preferences.
From tranquil meditation havens to vibrant entertainment hubs, the possibilities are endless. So why not start planning your own enchanting garden rooms today? With a little creativity, some hard work, and the right landscape design partner, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating your own outdoor oasis.
