Types of Country Gardens

English Country

• An English country garden is made up primarily of the types of flowering plants that grow well in England, with shrubs, flowers and vines in a myriad of colors and shapes, including honeysuckle, petunias, cornflowers, roses and geraniums. It is always shady and never formal. The plants ramble and intertwine with one another and are not trimmed. There are usually birdbaths, wooden benches and ponds, and potted plants randomly placed in hidden alcoves.

Victorian

• Victorian country gardens differ slightly from English country gardens because they contain statues of cherubs and gargoyles, stone benches and cobbled fairy paths and fountains. They usually have a semiformal rose garden incorporated into them.

French Country Garden

• French country gardens are more formal than their English counterparts. The landscaping is often laid out symmetrically in a grid design with paved pathways, large open lawns, trimmed hedges, topiary and hedge mazes. They usually incorporate large fountains, and the plants include herbs and vegetables. Lavender and lush green foliage are a must.

Native Country Garden

• The native country garden is a relatively new concept that involves creating a country-style garden using the plants that are native to your region. Conservationists contend that this practice helps support the natural ecosystem and benefits the soil. Local nurseries usually stock native plants, which makes it easy to design your own native garden.