If you’re looking to add a touch of French charm to your garden, you’ll love these small French garden ideas.
From charming courtyards to classic herb gardens, these ideas will help you create a little bit of France right in your own backyard.
So why not take a look and get inspired?
Also Check: 14 Incredible Small Concrete Garden Ideas
Grow climbing plants and vines
Climbing plants and vines are a classic element of French gardens.
They add beautiful greenery and can even produce flowers.
For sweet scents, consider planting: Rosa. ‘Gertrude Jekyll’, Jasminum officinale, Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus, and Wisteria floribunda.
For early blooms, plant: Jasminum nudiflorum, Clematis macropetala, and Japanese quince ‘Crimson and Gold’.
For coverage, plant: Potato vine Solanum crispum, Clematis armandii Apple Blossom, and Star jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides.
For shade, plant: Chinese virginia creeper Parthenocissus henryana, and Holboellia coriacea.
If you want interesting foliage, plant: Variegated kiwi Actinidia tetramera, Boston Ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata, and Crimson glory vine Vitis coignetiae.
Annual climbing plants, include: Eccremocarpus scaber (Chilean Glory Flower), Black eyed susan vine ‘Suzie Orange with Eye’, Cup & saucer vine Cobaea scandens, and Morning glory ‘Heavenly Blue’.
In containers, plant: Flowering maple Abutilon megapotamicum, Wisteria frutescens, and Clematis Etoile Violette.
If you want exotic flowers, plant: Rhodochiton atrosanguineus, Trumpet vine ‘Madame Galen’, and Passion flower Passiflora.
For wildlife, plant: English ivy ‘Glacier’, and Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica.
Add a touch of France with lavender or rosemary plants
Lavender and rosemary are two classic French herbs.
Not only do they look and smell wonderful, but they’re also easy to care for. So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your garden, consider one of these two options.
Use terracotta pots and tiles to create a French country feel
Terracotta pots and tiles are a staple of French country gardens.
They add a warm and rustic feel to any space. For a truly authentic look, consider using antique pots and tiles.
Fill your garden with fragrance
French gardens are known for their fragrant flowers.
So if you want to add a touch of France to your garden, make sure to include some fragrant plants.
Some of the most popular options include: Stargazer Lily, Freesia, Lilac, Sweet Osmanthus, Ginger Lily, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Vanilla Spice, Rose, Spider Lily, Spice Baby Viburnum, Ylang-Ylang, Tuberose, Night Scented Stocks, Nicotiana, Magnolia, Daphne, Crepe Jasmine, Viburnum, Day Blooming Jasmine, Plumeria, Hyacinth, Gardenia, Water Jasmine, Puakenikeni, Orange Jessamine, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine, Mock Orange, Scented Primrose, Night Blooming Jasmine, Angel’s Trumpet, Sweet Autumn Clematis, Honeysuckle, and Arabian Jasmine.
Incorporate classic French elements into your garden design
There are certain elements that are synonymous with French gardens. Some of the most popular options include: urns, fountains, topiaries, statues, and stone busts.
For fountains, popular choices include: tiered fountains, cascading fountains, wall fountains, and tabletop fountains.
Plant a kitchen garden
Not only do kitchen gardens provide fresh fruits and vegetables, but they also add a beautiful element to your garden design.
Some of the most popular kitchen garden plants include: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, herbs, and fruits.
Use a variety of colors and textures in your plant choices
One of the things that make French gardens so beautiful is the use of color and texture.
So when you’re choosing plants for your garden, make sure to mix and match different colors and textures to create a truly beautiful space.
Some great plant combinations include: roses and lavender, cosmos and marigolds, impatiens and ferns, daylilies and hostas, and blueberries and hydrangeas.
Use symmetry in your plantings for a classic French look
Symmetrical plantings are a hallmark of French gardens.
You can create symmetry by planting the same plant on either side of a path or by planting groups of the same plant in an evenly spaced manner. You can also create symmetry by planting a tree in the center of your garden.
Add a touch of whimsy with garden sculptures
Garden sculptures are a great way to add a touch of whimsy to your garden.
And since they come in all shapes and sizes, you’re sure to find one that fits your particular style. Some popular garden sculptures include: gnomes, fairies, animals, and birds.
Incorporate an element of surprise into your design
One of the things that make French gardens so special is the element of surprise.
Some popular ideas include: hidden gardens, secret doors, and labyrinths.
Hidden gardens are basically small gardens that are hidden from view. They can be behind a bush or tree, or even hidden within a larger garden. Secret doors can be anything from a hidden door in a wall to a false bottom in a fountain. Labyrinths are winding paths that lead to a central point. They’re often used as meditation gardens.
Add an arbor or pergola for shade
Arbors and pergolas are a great way to add shade to your garden.
They also provide a beautiful focal point.
Various arbor designs include: arch, trellis, gazebo, and pavilion. A simple arch will feature two posts with a curved top. And a trellis is a lattice-like structure that can be used to support climbing plants. On the other hand, gazebos and pavilions are both freestanding structures that provide shelter from the sun and rain.
Create a private seating area in your garden
One of the best things about having a French garden is being able to enjoy it in privacy.
You can create a private seating area by adding a fence, hedge, or wall. Or you can simply use plants to create a natural barrier. Some popular privacy plants include: bamboo, boxwoods, and hollies.
Use it as an outdoor living room
One great way to use your garden is to turn it into an outdoor living room.
This can be done by adding a few comfortable chairs, a table, and some pretty plants. You can also add a fireplace or fire pit for added warmth on cool evenings.
Plan ahead and take your time
Remember, a French garden is a work of art.
So take your time and plan ahead.
By following these simple tips, you can create a beautiful French garden that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
