A good garden has the power to transport you somewhere entirely different—no customs queues or overpriced airline snacks involved.
Each region has its own landscaping style that can inspire your own outdoor oasis. From the calm simplicity of a Japanese Zen space to the sun-soaked vibrancy of a Mexican courtyard, the options are endless.
So, let’s take a little trip around the world and see what tickles your fancy.
1. Japanese Zen Gardens
Zen gardens aren’t just pretty; they’re a sanctuary for the mind.
With gravel representing flowing water and rocks symbolising islands or mountains, Japanese landscapes are carefully designed with meaning. Every element is there to encourage a sense of calm and focus in one way or another.
To create your own Zen-inspired garden, start by lining the borders with polished river stones. Next, add bonsai trees for that minimalistic touch, then soften the scene with moss or native ferns. Careful placement is key here. It’s all about achieving balance.
Simplicity doesn’t have to mean boring, though. To add a little extra oomph, place a small pond or stone water feature in the centre or near a seating area.
The gentle babble of running water will create a soothing backdrop, masking street noise and inviting birds to drop by for a drink.
2. Italian Renaissance Gardens
Symmetry and grandeur are the two most prominent characteristics of Italian landscapes.
Renaissance-inspired gardens celebrate structure, grace, and classical artistry with straight hedgerows, grand statues, and terracotta pots. These elements exude historical allure, but with a modern twist.
Decorative fountains and meticulously arranged paths lined with cypress trees also evoke that timeless charm. For hardscaping, marble and stone both inject a sense of enduring elegance, grounding the garden in a style that feels as old as it is refined.
To preserve that classic flair, bring in an experienced team of professional landscapers to trim your hedges neatly from time to time.
They can also shape your shrubs into graceful curves or striking geometric designs, leaving the space looking crisp and polished.
3. Balinese Tropical Gardens
You don’t need to board a plane to enjoy the unadulterated tranquillity of Bali. To capture the look at home, weave in banana plants for a touch of drama, ferns for structure, and hostas or ornamental grasses for that lush, tropical texture.
Bamboo or birds of paradise will also bring height and movement, creating the kind of dappled shade you’d only find in a jungle retreat.
If you’re not sure which tropical plants can thrive in your climate, the seasoned staff at your local garden centre will point you in the right direction. They can also recommend hardy alternatives that mimic the same rich look without the heartbreak of constant replacements.
With your plants sorted, tuck a hammock or rattan chairs among the greenery. Then, slip in a quaint water feature for a cooling hush, and suddenly, your simple garden will feel less like a backyard and more like a holiday resort.
A trickling fountain, lotus-filled bowl, or bamboo spout can instantly soften the atmosphere, encouraging you to slow down and savour the moment.
4. Scandinavian Minimalist Landscapes
Nordic gardens are a perfect example of how less can sometimes be more. Defined by clean lines, muted colours, and a natural flow, they embrace simplicity without ever slipping into sterility.
Birch trees, heather, stone, and timber combine to form low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscapes, grounding the space in quiet elegance.
Stone paths then wind softly through evergreens and feathery grasses, while wooden decks and sleek furniture add a touch of understated refinement.
Pair it with the glow of a firepit or the flicker of lanterns for a modern yet enduring space, and you’ll have the perfect escape. Every time you step outside, you’ll be transported to a serene realm where time slows down and the outside world slips away.
5. Mexican Courtyard Gardens
Alive with colour and vibrant energy, Mexican courtyards are the perfect backdrop for exuberant gatherings and spontaneous celebrations.
These fiesta-inspired gardens are designed for conversation and connection, with potted plants and artistic touches adding character to every corner.
To evoke that warm, festive vibe, go for terracotta flooring, colourful mosaics, and hardy succulents, like agave or aloe.
If you don’t have one already, add a pergola to provide shade and make the space more comfortable when the sun is blazing overhead.
You can also train trumpet vine or passionflower to climb and spill over your seating area for a burst of fragrance and colour.
6. French Provençal Landscapes
If you’re after the romantic, fairy-tale aesthetic, look no further than the French countryside. With aromatic lavender, gravel pathways, climbing roses, and fresh herbs, you can create a rustic yet sophisticated space that speaks to all your senses.
Terracotta pots and wrought iron light fixtures also add warmth and texture, giving your garden a homely, lived-in feel with a touch of elegance.
Place a small bistro table beneath a flowering arch, shaded by wisteria or hydrangeas, and suddenly, you’ll be transported straight to Provence.
When the soft breeze hits just right, the scent of herbs and blossoms will only deepen the sense of charm, turning your ordinary plot into an intimate escape.
7. Moroccan Riads and Desert-Inspired Landscapes
Moroccan gardens are nothing short of a visual feast, with intricate geometric tiles and layers of lush greenery creating an air of exotic luxury. Think bold colour contrasts and perfectly balanced symmetry that captivate the eye the moment you step in.
Water plays a starring role here as well, offering cooling relief while weaving in a soft soundtrack of trickling calm.
To mimic that oasis-like charm, let bougainvillaea spill gracefully over the walls. The vibrant blossoms will soften the sharp lines, while citrus trees infuse the air with fresh fragrance.
For a final touch of drama, go with palm trees. Their towering fronds will cast shade and movement with every breeze.
If you prefer a more low-maintenance spin, desert-inspired plantings reflect the Moroccan style beautifully. Think sculptural cacti, succulents, gravel pathways, and carefully placed natural stones.
Together, these simple elements create unique, water-wise landscapes that are as easy to care for as they are striking.
To break up the monotony, weave in contrasting textures and heights, and add bold sculptures or vibrant pots to brighten up the space.
8. English Cottage Gardens
This is where whimsy and colour come together to weave a lively, natural masterpiece.
A true English cottage garden should feel like a storybook scene. Picture roses cascading over weathered picket fences and lavender wafting its soothing scent along winding paths.
Of course, you can’t forget about the borders. Foxgloves, hollyhocks, and daisies will crowd in like old friends, swaying in the breeze and painting the edges with effortless charm.
Herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, can then mingle with sweet peas and delphiniums, blurring the line between the practical and the dreamy.
To enjoy that natural tapestry of textures and scents, pop a rustic bench beneath a climbing clematis. This will be the perfect spot to sit, linger, and let your thoughts drift away with the wandering plants.
9. Mediterranean Terrace Gardens
Ideal for sloped land, Mediterranean gardens lean on terracotta pots, silvery olive trees, fragrant santolina, and climbing vines to set the scene.
To echo the long summer days by the sea, opt for sun-loving plants, such as oregano, sage, and geraniums. They’ll fill the air with fragrance and colour while asking little in return.
For a little more depth and visual interest, mix in pots of varying heights, and add trellises for trailing grapevines or jasmine to climb.
As for the hardscaping, lay out pebble or stone paths to guide the eye and separate different areas without adding harsh lines.
To complete the sun-drenched, resort feel, add a few citrus trees in planters for extra freshness and vibrancy.
Conclusion
Each of these styles proves that a garden can be so much more than a simple patch of green. It can be a portal to another world, one that’s filled with colour, scent, and character.
You might find yourself drawn to the elegance of Italian symmetry, the lavender-scented romance of Provence, or the spice of a Mexican courtyard.
Wherever your tastes take you, these landscapes offer endless inspiration to shape a beautiful, practical, and downright delightful retreat.
