Winding stone paths, roses climbing over arches, borders overflowing with fragrant blooms – few garden styles capture romance and charm quite like the English country garden.
And its appeal is only growing. According to a recent survey by garden building specialist Dunster House, the English country garden is the style Brits are most eager to recreate, with 18 per cent naming it their top choice. The look proved especially popular across England and Wales, where it emerged as the dominant garden style overall.
Its enduring appeal lies in the balance between structure and softness. English country gardens may look abundant, relaxed and a little wild, but behind the tumbling climbers and billowing borders is a carefully considered aesthetic — from the planting to the materials used throughout the space.
'Think weathered natural materials like stone paths, rustic timber, wooden furniture and terracotta pots. The planting is "managed chaos" with roses and deeply overflowing borders, creating a romantic, timeless and vibrant vibe,' explains Toby Buckland, gardener and RHS ambassador.
For homeowners looking to recreate the look, Toby suggests starting with structure. 'Adding symmetry at border ends and either side of paths with topiary balls or attractive pots contrasts with the "managed chaos" of the planting, and like a frame around a painting, makes the plants in the borders appear more colourful and natural,' he adds.
But alongside the right layout and planting scheme, the plants themselves are what truly bring an English country garden to life. From fragrant climbers to soft, overflowing perennials, the look is rooted in layers of colour, texture and seasonal abundance.
15 essential plants for an English country garden
'A classic English country garden mix starts with repeat-flowering old-style roses, and around them, cottage garden perennials fill the space with colour and movement,' says Patrick Martin, a horticulture specialist at Frantoio Grove.
Climbing varieties are also key to creating that all-important sense of romance and maturity. 'For walls, arches and pergolas, wisteria and clematis are the classic climbers that add height, scent and a feeling of maturity,' the expert recommends.
While English country gardens are known for their abundance, choosing easy-going plants can make the look far easier to maintain.
'Lavender and catmint are two of the most useful plants because they hold planting together, bring fragrance, attract pollinators and cope well in dry summer conditions once established,' Patrick suggests. 'Peonies and hardy cranesbill geraniums are also good for early summer and create full leafy clumps that feel quite generous without needing much attention.'
To add height and movement, and create a space that feels truly immersive, layering in tall-growing varieties are a must.
'Foxgloves, delphiniums and hollyhocks work well, while phlox keeps colour going later into summer with a very traditional feel,' the expert explains. 'Aquilegias help give a lighter, more natural look in late spring, and alliums bring structure with their round flower heads that still look interesting after they fade.'
And finally, no English country garden would be complete with a burst of seasonal, native colour. 'Spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips are important for getting the garden started early in the year before the main perennials take over,' Patrick adds.
Bring these plants together thoughtfully and you'll have the ingredients for a timeless English country garden that's full of colour, fragrance and charm. Add a weathered bench among the borders, and the look is complete.
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