Imagine walking through a beautiful landscape, surrounded by vivid flowers, well-kept hedges and a sense of timeless beauty.
Oh, the charm of a French garden!
But what makes up a French-style garden space, and what are the elements of a traditional French garden?
Well, for starters, it is a style that offers a rustic and natural aesthetic. With roots from the opulent gardens of the Palace of Versailles, French garden architecture has evolved over ages.
It showcases stunning beauty and a deep appreciation for nature by trimming the bushes into hedges or using French Pattern tiles for flooring.
Confused? Let us give a better picture of the elements that make up a French-style garden before we move on to the creative design ideas!
Elements That Give Your Garden a French-Style Vibe
- They focus a lot on the residences:
In traditional French-style gardens, the home is always the focal point. It is styled with paths running perpendicular towards it.
This style or element works well with stucco or masonry residences, which is quite common in Australia. One can install window boxes to help connect the home to the surrounding landscape.
- They focus on neat and defined spaces:
French-style gardens are popular for their precise, symmetrical lines. Including boxwoods in the design gives it a more traditional look while allowing you to build and preserve the design’s clean, geometric lines.
To keep boxwoods in their geometric shape, trim them often. Garden beds and planters like hedges should be tidy, symmetrical and free of debris. You can feel free to use other geometric flooring options in your design too, such as French Pattern Travertine pavers.
- They focus on using stone surfaces:
Natural stone steppers and walkways define trails in a French-style garden. They provide much-needed drainage during the wet season. Weeds can be kept at bay with gravel and stones, and it’s always a good idea to place weed-barrier fabric beneath your walkways.
- They include water features:
Reflecting pools, fountains and other water features are exquisite and reminiscent of traditional French gardens. Additionally, other decorative elements, such as urns and stone planters, provide texture and verticality to your garden.
- They try to maintain a minimal colour palette:
French gardens often have a cold colour palette, so select plants with white, blue, pink or purple blossoms. Lavender is an essential part of any French garden. You can also go for stone cladding options.
- They have a separate area for dining and relaxing:
Add a bench or small bistro set to your garden to create the illusion of dining in the French countryside. You can choose French Pattern pavers made of Limestone or Sandstone for the same. Look for simple, weather-resistant furnishings that will not suffer from exposure to the elements—an open-air ceiling is essential.
Some Creative French Style Garden Designs to Go For
Imagine yourself in a landscape where every nook tells a tale. Wildflowers bloom alongside manicured walks. What beauty, right?
Now check out these design ideas that can help you get started!
- Formal French Garden Styles
Parterres are central to formal gardens. These painstakingly produced decorations incorporate geometric patterns created by precisely clipped hedges and bright floral arrangements. Their symmetrical layouts exude harmony and balance, which is truly appealing.
Create paths made of natural stone that meander smoothly. They can be lined with gravel, cobblestones or even beautiful green grass, adding a touch of charm and authenticity.
- French Country Garden
If you want to include a French-style garden in your landscape but don’t have the time to maintain it, consider a French country garden.
These gardens have many of the same design elements as formal gardens, although they are less symmetrical and geometric. One option to consider is adding a small pond to your landscape. You can also have garden beds that are less structured and more colourful, but they must always have an edge or border. You can choose natural stone cladding for the retaining wall to add an organic touch.
- Mediterranean-Inspired French Garden
A Mediterranean-inspired French garden is ideal for individuals who value the timeless elegance of French gardens but prefer a warmer, more relaxed atmosphere. This style combines traditional features of French design with the rustic appeal of Mediterranean surroundings.
Limestone and Travertine French Pattern pavers are a fantastic choice for garden flooring, with a natural appearance that matches the earthy tones of the surrounding landscape. You can add olive trees, lavender and rosemary to the garden beds to create a more organic, less structured layout.
To Wrap Up
You don’t have to live in a palace to enjoy the stunning benefits of a French-style garden!
Whether you want to completely redesign your outdoor space or try out a few French-inspired components, any of the aspects listed above will assist in creating a clean, classic style. Combining all the features, even in minor ways, will transform your yard into the splendid designs of famous French chateaus.