The best gardens treat the green space like any other room: layers of texture and colour as well as a thoughtful blend of both function and beauty.
Much of what makes a garden special is those “surprise and delight” moments – the happily aged, moss-covered birdbath or the concrete bunny peeking out beyond the bushes— that invite guests to wander deeper into your garden.
It’s these details that make your garden feel like a high-end escape. Not only this, but by treating the garden as an extension of the home, you can create a space that feels both inviting and practical, and boost the value of your home in the process.
Read on for inspiring ideas to make your garden look and feel more high-end…
Think outdoor rooms
People are increasingly drawn to outdoor ‘rooms,’ whether that’s a neat paved or decking area, a smart patio with comfortable seating, or even a small garden room, shed or greenhouse that adds extra space for work, hobbies or storage, says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.
“These kinds of features give the garden a sense of purpose and make it feel like a proper part of the home.”
An awning is one of the most effective ways to make your space liveable year-round – sheltered from glare on a bright July afternoon, protected from a light springtime shower, and comfortable enough to linger long after supper.
Add an antique sink
David Tsay, styling by Page Mullins
Wash basins full of ice can also double as coolers when it comes time to host a party.
Elevate your potting station with an antique sink. In this garden, an old washbasin was repurposed into a catchall gardening station, perfect for potting and keeping newly cut blooms fresh while you continue to work in the garden. (Don’t worry if it isn’t hooked up to water. You can fill the tubs using a watering can or bring over your garden hose).
Bring interest with a statue
jrwasserman//Getty Images
A garden sculpture or bust can bring interest into the garden
Chic statuary does exist; you just need to have a discerning eye. Consider a classy Roman bust or something more arty, like a metal sculpture and avoid anything that feels overly Brothers Grimm for the ultimate high-end look.
Build wooden raised beds
Marta Xochilt-Perez; Styling by Rachel Rivers for Country Living
You can build beds side-by-side or, for something a bit more Old World, opt for a more dynamic layout.
There are plenty of materials you can use to build a raised bed, but none of them are quite as chic – or timeless – as wood. Keep them simple like homeowner Lyndsey Zorich did here in her garden, or add post caps to each end piece for a levelled-up look.
Place glass cloches throughout
Sunphol Sorakul//Getty Images“Glass cloches are like mini greenhouses. On sunny days, vent them by placing them on risers,” says Country Living’s resident gardening expert, Charlyne Mattox.
When in doubt, old-school tools add old-world charm. Glass cloches allow you to plant earlier in spring, meaning your garden comes to life faster than your neighbour’s. Switch to wire cloches in summer to keep curious critters from nibbling your plants during the height of growing season.
Install a birdbath
vau902//Getty Images
Hidden amongst flowers and shrubbery, birdbaths channel that “surprise and delight” quality that makes a backyard so fun.
Birdbaths evoke a sense of The Secret Garden-esque whimsical elegance that your backyard is likely missing. Not only do they provide essential drinking water on hot summer days, but they also add height and visual interest to your garden.
Focus on pieces that will age well, like stone or concrete – metal is a popular choice, but concrete and stone look chicer, especially when moss is allowed to creep up the pedestal.
Sprinkle some practical magic 
Jacky Parker Photography//Getty Images
A pergola is pretty and useful
Simple, practical touches often have the biggest impact, things like good fencing or screening, a pergola with climbers, and some soft lighting that makes the garden feel cosy and inviting in the evenings, advises Julian.
“When you bring it all together with the right plants, mulch, compost and a few well‑placed accessories, you aren’t just improving the look of the garden – you’re making it feel like a place people can actually enjoy.”
Gardening must-haves
Filberts of Dorset Gardeners Hand Salve
Haywards Garden Bee and Butterfly Water Stations, Garden Décor, set of three colourful bee water cups .
Now 17% Off
Home Sussex Handmade Peg Apron
Painted Garden Label/Marker
The Fae Potter Wild Bird Feeder ceramic hanging
WhinnyPoo WhinnyPoo Box of 3 Plant Feed
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
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