I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of garden rooms – those secluded, partially enclosed spaces within a garden that create a room-like effect. Growing up on a 20-acre hobby farm, I witnessed my parents’ magic touch as they transformed their outdoor oasis into a series of enchanting garden rooms. From the tranquil spa-like retreat to the creative think tank, each space held its own distinct personality and purpose.
The Spa: A Sanctuary for the Senses
The first outdoor space we tackled was what I affectionately call “The Spa.” Nestled at the back of our home, it was carved out of a solid rock slope that required extensive blasting during construction. This created a 12-foot rock wall on two sides, with the house on another and a trellis with gates completing the enclosure.
As the experts at Homes & Gardens suggest, this level of enclosure was key to establishing a private, intimate garden room. The dramatic rock wall provided the perfect backdrop for the focal point – a natural waterfall feature created by repurposing a large boulder left over from the blasting.
I meticulously curated the plantings, selecting elegant and fragrant peonies and lilies to evoke a tranquil, spa-like ambiance. The soothing sound of the cascading water and the captivating floral scents work in harmony to create a space that truly rejuvenates the soul. Even on rainy days, we can cozy up under the string lights strung between the rock wall and the house, sipping hot cocoa and watching outdoor movies projected onto a large screen.
The Think Tank: A Greenhouse Oasis
Another one of my favorite garden rooms is what I call “The Think Tank” – the area surrounding our vintage window greenhouse. The tall trellis, double arbors, and picket fence provide the structural framework, while a hedge of towering sunflowers encloses three sides.
As the experts at Garden Design suggest, the open upper portion of this garden room allows me to take in the expansive lake view, while the enclosed lower section creates a cozy, contemplative space. This is where I plan my garden plantings, finding inspiration in the serenity of the greenhouse and the ever-changing views outside.
Throughout the year, I decorate this space for special occasions, transforming it into a whimsical Valentine’s wonderland, a cheerful Easter retreat, or a spooky Halloween hideaway. It’s a true reflection of my creativity and a testament to the joy of engaging with the outdoors in a meaningful way.
The Lab: A Cutting-Edge Cutting Garden
The newest addition to our outdoor oasis is what I call “The Lab” – a dedicated cutting garden featuring 32 tall raised garden beds, a gift from the wonderful folks at Sproutbox Gardens. This area has been a lifesaver, protecting my precious seedlings from the persistent marmot and chipmunk intruders that have plagued our other garden beds.
As my mother shared with me, the raised beds have allowed me to experiment with a wide variety of new flower varieties, grouping them by color in the individual beds. This “laboratory” setting has enabled me to observe their growth patterns, blooming times, and cutting potential, all while keeping my plants safely contained.
The Lab is quickly becoming my favorite place to immerse myself in the creative process of cultivating a stunning cutting garden. It’s a win-win scenario – I get to enjoy the vibrant blooms inside the house, while the more the flowers are cut, the more they’ll continue to flourish. This garden room has truly turned into a sanctuary for my green-thumbed endeavors.
The Observatory: A Sunflower-Filled Retreat
My latest garden room creation is what I’ve dubbed “The Observatory” – a circular raised garden bed from Sproutbox Gardens surrounded by a towering sunflower hedge. This unique space occupies the highest elevation in our yard, offering a bird’s-eye view of the entire garden.
As the experts at Garden Design suggest, the sunflower “walls” will create a secluded, intimate retreat, while also allowing me to gaze upwards at the sky, as if through the lens of a telescope. I can just imagine myself lying in the center of The Observatory, watching the sunflowers sway in the breeze and the clouds drift by overhead.
To complement the sunflowers, I’ve planted a vibrant mix of pumpkins, Canna lilies, lavender, and Black-eyed Susans. As this garden room matures, I know it will become a true oasis, a space where I can unwind, recharge, and find inspiration in the beauty of nature.
Crafting Your Own Outdoor Oasis
Through the creation of these distinct garden rooms, I’ve learned that with a bit of planning, some elbow grease, and a whole lot of passion, anyone can transform their outdoor space into a series of enchanting retreats. Whether you have a sprawling property or a small urban yard, the principles of garden zoning can be applied to meet the needs and interests of your entire family.
I encourage you to start by making a list of all the activities you’d love to enjoy in your outdoor living space – from quiet contemplation to lively entertaining. Then, use the power of A1 Landscape Construction‘s expertise to help you map out those distinct garden rooms, utilizing materials like walls, fences, trellises, and strategic plantings to create the perfect boundaries and ambiance.
With a little creativity and a lot of love, you can cultivate your very own outdoor oasis – a series of garden rooms that cater to your unique lifestyle and bring you closer to the natural world around you. So why not start planning your dream garden retreat today?
