If you're keen to learn how to design a minimalist garden, it's best to 'think of it much the same as a minimalism in a home; calm, mess free, every item has an intentional place with clean lines and a soft colour palette,' says Ellen Mary Webster, author and professional gardener.
Shireen Zia – an award-winning designer and principal of EcoGardens Landscape Design, LLC – agrees, adding that a minimalist garden also demands a 'restrained plant palette, typically three to five varieties'.
'Sculptural trees provide structure and focal interest, while the overall design embraces a natural, effortless look that requires little to no maintenance to stay beautiful year-round,' she says.
While knowing how to commission a garden designer will help you to achieve this, you can also design a minimalist garden yourself, albeit with a few tips and tricks from the experts, of course.
1. Stick to a specific color palette
The first thing to remember when learning how to design a minimalist garden is this: keep your color palette on the smaller side.
'Sticking to a specific color palette can help maintain a minimalist aesthetic. For example, pairing green, blue, and white plants with similar growing requirements can create a cohesive look,' says Alexander Betz, landscape designer and founder of Plant by Number.
Linda Vater, garden design expert on behalf of Southern Living® Plant Collection, agrees, noting that 'you can create a trendy 'green washed' look by layering all-green plants in a variety of heights and textures, or select a single bloom color, such as white'.
'One additional benefit of white blooms is that some varieties will appeal to night pollinators and catch the last light of the day, extending the visual appeal of your moon garden into the twilight hours,' she continues.
2. Cut down on materials
Another top tip for when you come to design your own minimalist garden? Keep it consistent when it comes to materials, whether that's for furniture, patios, rock garden ideas, or gravel garden ideas.
'Ideally, you should only use a maximum of three materials to keep the design cohesive, clean and sharp,' advises Ellen Mary.
'A good combination, depending on your space and preference are concrete, wood and shingle. If you add in another material to the mix, this will start to overcrowd the space visually so keep it simple.'
3. Opt for neutrals
'Neutral-tone gravel is my go-to foundation, often paired with clean, poured concrete or linear pavers, and bold, structural plant,' says Shireen Zia, who created the patio above using 'Yosemite Tan gravel and Castohn Bordo pavers [for] a seamless, monotone base'.
'It's a combo which offers warmth and structure for a clean, contemporary garden feel. Their soft tones enhance plant textures without overpowering the design,' she continues, advising people 'stay within a consistent hardscape color tone'.
'This, and using a monotone planting palette – punctuated by just one seasonal color – creates the calm, cohesive feel essential to a successful minimalist garden,' she promises.
4. Repetition, repetition, repetition
Based on what we've learned so far, it makes sense that one of the easiest ways to design a minimalist garden is to get repetitive.
'Often, a minimalist look can be achieved through the use of repetition in the garden. For instance, consider lining a pathway with a striking row of neatly pruned boxwoods or Japanese hollies. If you're looking to give a garden bed a minimalist look, you might 'flood' the bed with a single-variety planting that offers rich textural interest like 'Soft Caress' Mahonia,' says Linda.
'With its soft, feather-like foliage and bright wintertime flowers, it's dynamic enough to offer richness and complexity when viewed up close, while lending elegant simplicity from afar.'
5. Keep it functional
If you're figuring out how to design a minimalist garden, take care to include some comfortable (yet functional) outdoor seating ideas.
The garden above, which was lovingly designed by Shireen, features 'a sculptural seat-wall that anchors the space as a functional focal point, framed by a muted plant palette of soft textures and subdued hues – embodying the quiet strength of minimalist design'.
6. Hide the clutter
It may not be the most glamorous part of learning how to design a minimalist garden, but it really is important to consider where you will store all of your tools and clutter.
'Maintaining a minimalist look can also come from hiding as many tools and garden accessories as possible,' explains Alexander.
'Store garden tools in the garage, conceal visible hoses, and keep the garden tidy by regularly getting rid of weeds and pruning. Avoid the temptation to overplant to ensure a clean and uncluttered space.'
There are lots of possibilities when it comes to storage ideas for sheds, like using this outdoor storage unit from Amazon, so you can keep your tools packed away neatly and organized.
7. Consider all spaces
You don't need lots of space to design a minimalist garden; even a small atrium will do, as Shireen's design above makes clear.
'This tiny atrium reflects a minimalist and Zen-inspired design, crafted with five thoughtfully chosen hardscape materials and a mass planting of five varieties to create a calm, cohesive retreat,' she says.
