Melissa King turns a shady corner into a calm garden retreat

Finding a cool, calming garden retreat away from the summer’s heat involves recognising and realising the benefits of a neglected part of your garden. Every garden has a dark corner, usually on the south side, a drab, unloved cranny that’s so easy to ignore because the spotlight is on your colourful, sun-drenched areas. So, sweep away the creepies, junk the jumble and create a clean slate for a Zen retreat that’s a cool space for just you and a book or for an intimate entertainment nook!

BHG TV presenter Melissa King recently turned a dark corner in an inner-city garden into a calm Zen garden. Here’s how to take inspiration from her garden makeover.

How to create a Zen garden retreat

Whether you intend to use your revitalised space as a quiet retreat or where you can have intimate get togethers, take a few minutes to assess the space so you make the right decisions.

Determine the aspect and microclimate – does it get some morning, midday or afternoon sun? This helps you decide what plants you can put there.

Measure the area to ensure the furniture you choose will fit.

Draw up a plant list – most shade-lovers don’t produce vibrant, colourful flowers, so go for a selection with variegated leaves. The white or cream markings bring light into the dark space.

Bring in more light with pale-coloured pots and planters.

Group plants together. This creates more ‘Zen’ space and increases the humidity around the plants. Many low-light-tolerant plants love humidity.

Melissa King's garden retreat in a shady deck with chairs, cushions, lamps and a water feature.

Expert tips on creating a calm garden nook

The aim is tranquillity, and this is achieved with simple, natural elements that produce an air of harmony.

Use natural materials such as timber and organic fibres.

Avoid clutter by only putting in furniture that is essential and has purpose.

Avoid bright, distracting colours and instead use soft, light, earthy colours to keep things calm.

Create flow with open spaces and clean lines so movement is unrestricted.

Ensure decorative items also have a practical purpose to maintain simplicity and function.

Add water to represent flow and renewal and give your environment a sense of serenity.

Bring in nature with plants, and add boulders, rocks or stones to help bring the outside in.

Melissa King

Horticulturist

Melissa King is one of Australia’s most popular and respected garden experts and television presenters. Melissa joins the Better Homes and Gardens team as its respected garden expert. “For a gardening presenter, this is the pinnacle and I’m beyond excited to be working alongside people I have admired for years,” says Melissa.

Garden editor & horticulturist

Jenny Dillon

Garden editor

Jenny Dillon is the garden editor of Better Homes and Gardens. She studied horticulture and landscape design at the world-renowned Ryde Horticultural College to solidify her appreciation of gardens, stemming from having grown up in regional and rural New Zealand, where agriculture and horticulture is a way of life.

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