The Victorian era was a time of elegance, discovery and romance, and many of its design principles still inspire gardeners around the UK today. A Victorian-inspired garden is about more than just flowers and plants: it reflects a love of beauty.
Choose Some Ornamental Planting for Your Garden
Victorian gardeners adored lush displays. You would have found annuals such as geraniums, fuchsias and begonias.
Wrought-Iron Features Were Hugely Popular
From ornate gates and fencing to delicately patterned benches, these pieces add instant period character. A cast-iron seat tucked beneath a climbing rose can transform a corner into something straight from a Victorian sketchbook. You can add these stunning metal balustrades from //donkeywellforge.co.uk/what-we-make/metal-handrails-balustrades into your garden for extra charm.
Victorian Gardens Favoured Symmetry
This was often expressed through crisply defined paths. Brick, gravel or mosaic tiles were used in gardens. A 35-hectare site, featuring Victorian gardens and parkland in Fareham, is set for a major restoration.
Glasshouses and Fernery Were Loved by Many in the Victorian Era
The Victorian passion for collecting exotic plants gave rise to our glasshouse. While not every garden can house a conservatory, a small greenhouse provides both function and style.
Garden Ornaments and Accessories Were Popular
Statues, sundials, birdbaths and stone urns were considered essentials. Such ornaments were placed to act as focal points or to add a note of romance. You can choose weathered stone or terracotta for your space. Bringing these elements together creates not only a chic space but also a living echo of the Victorian era.