Whimsical Gardens: The New Maximalist Trend for Outdoor Spaces (2024)

You may be someone who doesn’t want the maximalist decor trend inside your home, and that’s ok. But that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the whimsical garden trend that is transforming outdoor spaces into dreamy and romantic retreats. In fact, creating a whimsical garden can be a fun and rewarding project for anyone who wants to add a touch of magic to their outdoor space.

The Whimsical Garden Trend Will Turn Your Outdoor Space Into Nirvana

Whimsical Gardens: The New Maximalist Trend for Outdoor Spaces (1)

“A whimsical garden is about bringing the unexpected to an outdoor space,” explained Amy Hovis, principal designer at Eden Garden Design, to Better Homes & Gardens. “It’s fun to use objects, items, or design criteria that you’d normally expect to see inside a home. For example, select textiles, a lamp, a chandelier, a table, or add custom niches, or even a fireplace.”

Creating a whimsical garden is a great way to be creative without worrying about if you are overdoing it. “A whimsical garden is imaginative, creative, and maybe even a little chaotic at first glance,” says Aaron Green of Essential Home and Garden. “There’s no one way or set blueprint for a whimsical garden, and that’s what’s great about it.”

How To Create Your Own Whimsical Backyard

Whimsical Gardens: The New Maximalist Trend for Outdoor Spaces (2)

Have a Focal Point

Start by selecting a central focal point, such as a whimsical fountain, an eye-catching sculpture, or a vibrant flower bed. From there, add layers of enchantment with garden decor, patterned textiles, and cozy seating areas.

Use an Array of Plants and Flowers

You can create a chaotic but serene garden that will hold the attention of any viewer no matter the size of your space. Use flowers and plants as a way to create the foundation of your garden. Look for flowers and plants that not only have different colors, but different textures and shapes, too. For example, dwarf plants, overly large-leaved plants, vines, succulents, and brightly colored flowers would all work perfectly. You should also allow your plants to grow in a natural and carefree manner, guiding them with a gentle touch rather than strict pruning.

Add the Right Accessories

Incorporating whimsical and unexpected elements is at the heart of this trend. From enchanting fairy lights and whimsical sculptures to quirky birdhouses and vintage planters, your garden will invite a sense of playfulness and imagination. Any unexpected art piece you can find can contribute to creating a playful atmosphere that is both welcoming and visually intriguing. Incorporating vintage or repurposed items can also add a touch of nostalgia and personality to the garden.

By embracing maximalism, vivid colors, unconventional elements, and a touch of natural chaos, you can strike a perfect balance between beauty and whimsy that is sure to be your new favorite place.

Whimsical Gardens: The New Maximalist Trend for Outdoor Spaces (2024)

FAQs

Whimsical Gardens: The New Maximalist Trend for Outdoor Spaces? ›

Use flowers and plants as a way to create the foundation of your garden. Look for flowers and plants that not only have different colors, but different textures and shapes, too. For example, dwarf plants, overly large-leaved plants, vines, succulents, and brightly colored flowers would all work perfectly.

What defines a whimsical garden? ›

The Magic of Whimsical Gardens: Defining the Whimsy

In a whimsical garden, you might find whimsical sculptures, fairytale-like pathways, and unexpected pops of color that add a lighthearted and dreamlike quality.

How to make a whimsical garden? ›

A good way to create a whimsical garden is to pick a theme, such as this bird-focused flower bed that includes a birdcage, birdhouses, flamingoes, and a tuteur. Other landscape-friendly themes include garden tools, gnomes, outdoor games, wildlife, color, or geometric shapes.

How do I make my garden aesthetically pleasing? ›

Here are 10 expert tips to master your landscaping!
  1. Use Native Plants In Your Landscape. ...
  2. Plan Your Garden Before You Start Planting. ...
  3. Use Different Colors And Textures Of Plants To Create An Interesting Landscape. ...
  4. Incorporate Water Features Into Your Landscape Design. ...
  5. Invest In A Quality Lawn Mower. ...
  6. Mulch Your Garden Beds.
Jun 24, 2022

What is whimsical example? ›

Whimsical means full of or characterized by whims, which are odd ideas that usually occur to you very suddenly. If you decide at the last minute to fly to Europe, you could say you went there on a whim. Whimsical can also mean tending toward odd or unpredictable behavior.

What is a synonym for whimsical nature? ›

amusing, comical, droll, eccentric, funny, mischievous, odd, unusual, weird.

How do I make my garden look like a fairy garden? ›

Add soil or sand, and build your garden using found objects such as pine cones, sticks and stones, or miniature decorative items you've made or purchased at a craft store. Stick with a certain theme, such as a cottage garden, the beach or the woodlands—or not!

How do you layout a fairy garden? ›

Fill your pot/container with potting mix and plant your plants. I prefer to plant the tallest plant (miniature tree) towards the back of the pot, shrubs to the side and ground cover at the front. TIP: You might like to play around with the arrangement of your plants while they are still in their pots.

What defines whimsical decorations? ›

It's a design approach that embraces whimsy, fantasy, and a sense of fun. In whimsical design, you might find exaggerated proportions, vibrant colors, unconventional shapes, and unexpected combinations of objects or patterns. This style often evokes a sense of childlike wonder and encourages creativity and imagination.

What does whimsical mean in decor? ›

Whimsical decor is a blend of aesthetics, combining antique charm and humor in a playful, lighthearted way. It's perfect for those who don't take themselves too seriously, offering freedom to embrace the beauty of DIY room decor pieces.

What is a whimsical thing? ›

unusual and strange in a way that might be funny or annoying: a whimsical tale. Despite his kindly, sometimes whimsical air, he was a shrewd observer of people. Synonyms. capricious literary.

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