Much like fashion, garden styles come and go. Vintage landscaping design might be just what you need if you're tired of modern landscaping and you're yearning for the romanticism of yesteryear.
The term 'vintage' encompasses a variety of gardening trends from different eras. Whether you're inspired by the architectural gardens of Paris, the romantic winding paths of an Italian villa, or the charming, wild, and carefree designs of an English country garden, there's a vintage style to suit every taste.
While contemporary gardens with their minimalist planting and graphic designs are still popular, many are turning to the romantic style gardens of the past. Instead of "out with the old and in with the new," it's quite the reverse. Read on to discover the top 12 ways our experts recommend bringing a bit of vintage charm into your backyard.
1. Plant a wildflower garden
Wildflower gardens are all the rage these days, drawing inspiration from the charm of English meadows and romantic cottages. Setting one up is easier than you might think.
To get started with a wildflower lawn, simply clear a large space, turn the soil, and scatter a mix of seeds. You'll typically find beauties like cornflowers, daisies, poppies, and marigolds in these mixes. These annual wildflower seeds are super easy to sow in mid-spring or early autumn, and many mixes even include grasses for that authentic meadow feel.
Victoria Cummins, Senior Editor at Plant Whisperer tells us that “Wildflower planting creates such a lovely, romantic cottage-garden vibe while also supporting crucial pollinators like bees and butterflies. "I think people are rediscovering wildflower gardens as concerns grow over declining bee populations. Plus, their relaxed, informal style is perfect for smaller modern gardens where space is at a premium”.
For a truly natural look, scatter the seeds rather than planting them in neat rows. This approach works wonders on a large-scale lawn, creating a wild and overgrown feel. If you’re not quite ready to convert your entire lawn, try planting wildflowers as borders for a stunning effect.
Short on space? No problem. You can still achieve this carefree, romantic vibe in a courtyard, balcony, or smaller garden with a potted wildflower garden. It's incredibly easy to grow and requires very little maintenance. For pots, choose a mix of annuals and perennials so you don’t have to replant every year.
2. Vintage pots and repurposed treasures
When we think of vintage landscaping, we often imagine sprawling gardens and acres of space. But you can still bring this charming cottagecore aesthetic to smaller areas. Whether it’s a modest front backyard or even a balcony.
Forget sleek, modern styles and corten steel planters, embrace antique pots, repurposed sanitaryware, old watering cans, or even bicycles as plant containers. For a romantic, vintage look, seek out antique pots or containers that develop a beautiful patina over time.
The variety of different textures will create the illusion that they’ve been part of the garden for years, like these galvanized planters from Walmart. Plant loose, unstructured flowers in these containers and mix and match different shapes, sizes, and finishes to avoid a rigid appearance. The key is to celebrate imperfection and really lean into the lack of structure and uniformity.
3. Carve out walkways with pretty cobblestones
While modern garden design favors structure, angles, and open space, vintage gardens draw inspiration from the romanticism of secret gardens and intricate details. To create this vintage vibe, consider adding winding pathways to connect different parts of your garden.
Cobblestone paths, in particular, can add texture and evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. As Steve Sylva, owner of Steves Services suggests, "Cobblestone paths add detail and texture. They evoke nostalgia for simpler times. These elements fell out of favor as minimalism and low-maintenance took over but they work well in small doses. Using reclaimed materials in a patio or path is an easy way to add vintage charm.”
Lining these pathways with climbing plants and trees will enhance the secret garden feel. Incorporating cobblestones into your pathways brings a far more authentic feel when aiming to introduce old-world charm into your garden space. In contrast, more structured paving stones or smooth materials might feel out of place and fail to create the impression that your garden has always been there, quietly growing and evolving over time.
4. Decorate with antique urns and sculptures
If you're drawing inspiration from stunning Mediterranean villa gardens, sourcing antique garden decor can bring serious authenticity to your space. These elements can be woven into garden bed designs to create height and interest among beds of flowers or to decorate steps and seating areas to add floral and fauna elements.
Unlike smaller pots, these pieces bring a slightly more palatial feel to a garden and give a nod to the grandeur of Mediterranean estates rather than the charm of an English country cottage. We love this vintage-style planter from Walmart for a rustic look.
Steve notes, "Vintage ornaments like urns, statues, and sundials make a statement. They were popular in grand estate gardens but can work in any sized space. Look for pieces with characters that showcase your style. You can source them from architectural salvage yards or commission reproductions. Place them carefully for maximum impact. Using bold elements in moderation is key.”
5. Climbing plants to adorn the exterior walls of your home
While climbing flowers takes time to reach their full potential, they're well worth the effort in transforming your garden space, especially when reimagining a front yard. Wisteria is a classic favorite, and its sweet lilac flowers add charm to any wall.
Climbers do exactly as their name suggests, scaling walls and covering fences, pergolas, trellises, sheds, and trees with a thick layer of wildlife-friendly foliage. If you can erect a support like a trellis, choose climbers like wisteria or climbing roses that can be tied to the framework. Wisterias prefer sunny positions, ample space, and sturdy support, and they need annual pruning. Climbing roses thrive in the sun or partial shade. Framing your porch with cascading wisteria blooms, a pretty rambling rose, or layers of clematis flowers creates a highly sought-after look for your front yard. When choosing your climber, consider how it will complement the rest of your garden.
Pam Hutter of Hutter Architects says, "Hardy varieties of ivy, wisteria, and roses that need less pruning are popular again. They provide shade and privacy in small spaces and can fuse your garden with your home by incorporating floral design all the way up to the house. Climbing plants were common in Victorian gardens but fell out of favor. Now, people want to make the most of vertical space and create outdoor rooms in their garden design.”
6. Invest in a gazebo
If you have the space and want to create some drama in your vintage-inspired garden, a wrought iron pergola or gazebo will do the trick. These large structures are unmissable and bring incredible romantic charm to any garden space. They also serve as brilliant spots to rest or dine, adding both functionality and beauty to your outdoor area.
A pergola or gazebo can be a perfect structure for climbing plants like delicate lilac wisteria or rambling roses, which provide much-needed shade and enhance their use as relaxing or dining areas.
The Victorian style in wrought iron is both charming and nostalgic, with intricate details that evoke a fairy-tale element. While sourcing an authentic gazebo from an architectural salvage yard will bring true vintage style to your garden, you can also find beautiful replicas, such as this stunning gazebo available at Wayfair. Over time, these replicas will weather beautifully, only adding to their authentic 'been there forever' charm.
7. Bistro chairs and parasols
On a sunny afternoon in your rambling vintage garden, what could be more delightful than sitting back, smelling the roses, and enjoying an alfresco lunch? The intricate design and shady, secluded "secret garden" spaces are key to vintage garden design, so incorporating an outdoor dining area is a great way to enhance the experience.
While modern gardens often confine outdoor dining areas to paved patios, the rustic nature of a vintage-inspired garden allows for a beautiful wrought iron table and chairs with a pretty parasol to be placed virtually anywhere. The looseness of the design only adds to the charm. If you're in a sunnier spot with less shade, invest in an umbrella, there are many nostalgic styles on the market, like this pretty outdoor umbrella from Wayfair.
For furniture, look to wooden and wrought iron pieces. Joe Gerrier, owner of Gerrior Masonry advises, "Rustic wood furniture or wrought iron fits this laid-back style. Reclaimed wood seats with iron details are perfect for alfresco dining. Wood was underappreciated but is now valued for sustainability. Using bold vintage pieces sourced from salvage yards can really help achieve an authentic look."
8. Shape your hedges
While many elements of a vintage garden embrace romanticism, loose wild designs, and charming whimsical details, those who prefer a more manicured look can still capture the charm of gardens of yesteryear by incorporating topiary. For inspiration, look to grand French palaces like Versailles, which showcase incredible topiary. While most of us don’t have that much space to play with, you can bring these coiffured shrubs into your garden on a smaller scale.
As Victoria Cummins, Senior Editor at Plant Whisperer tells us “ The sculptural elegance of intricate topiary designs is definitely enjoying a resurgence. While traditional topiary can be quite formal and labor-intensive, the modern interpretations I'm seeing are more playful and whimsical. Celebrities like Martha Stewart showcasing topiaries in their own gardens have likely helped drive this trend. Topiary is a fantastic way to add a touch of artistic flair and sophistication to the landscape.”
When choosing the perfect shrub for your topiary journey, evergreens are particularly effective, and shrubs with small leaves and dense foliage, such as privet, are ideal. The more you clip, the smaller the leaves become, making it easier to achieve sharp outlines. Experts recommend starting with an existing shrub rather than nurturing a young sapling. Retraining an old bush is often easier than starting from scratch, and even an overgrown topiary can be salvaged with an aggressive trim.
9. Picket fence
For the finishing touch on a vintage-inspired cottagecore garden, an iconic white picket fence is a must for framing the front garden. These freshly painted white wooden pieces provide a fantastic backdrop for brightly colored flowers peeking through.
To truly wow your guests and create a charming entrance, consider investing in an ornamental arch gate. As well as adding much-needed nostalgic charm to a front garden, it’s a great structure for climbing plants such as rambling red roses or beautiful lilac wisteria.
When these plants grow to their full height and tumble over the top, they’ll create a picturesque, vintage feel. The garden fence isn’t just for separating one space from another, if used as the entrance to your home, it sets the overall character of the front garden.
10. Swinging seat
If a bench feels too ordinary for your vintage garden, take it up a notch by installing a swinging seat. Few things are more dreamy than lounging on a swing on a summer evening, enjoying the beauty of your garden. If you have a porch, it's the perfect spot for a swing, as the shelter allows you to add cozy textiles. However, a swing seat can also be erected in the garden, provided you have a sturdy supporting structure. Ideally, choose a shaded area or a pergola structure.
For true luxury, and if you have the space for it, you might even invest in a swinging day bed such as this brilliant dark wood version available at Wayfair. For smaller spaces or more secluded spots, a simple outdoor rope swing can add a touch of magic to your vintage garden.
When perfectly pitched between two trees with some shade and surrounding flowers, it becomes a delightful retreat. Whether you opt for a classic swing or a more elaborate setup, this addition is a delightful spin on a more traditional garden lounge area.
11. Rustic shelving
This look is a game-changer for transforming a small garden. When working with limited space, going vertical is a no-brainer to maximize greenery without taking up precious floor area.
Shelving is an excellent solution for displaying a vast array of potted plants and flowers. When designing a small vintage-inspired garden and considering shelves, a salvage yard is a great place to start. Keep your eye out for weathered wrought iron shelves, they look stunningly mounted on stone walls and are durable enough to withstand changing weather.
Shelves with curled and intricate details look particularly pretty and you can mix and match different styles for an authentic, eclectic look. If mounting shelves is a problem, you can also find wonderful freestanding options. This shelving set from Amazon, with its ready-weathered finish, is perfect for a small vintage garden and ready to use right away. No drills needed!
12. Install a water feature
A garden isn't just a space for a lawn and some plants; it's an extension of your home, brimming with character, personality, and a range of sensory experiences. Incorporating a water feature is a fantastic way to add another naturalistic element to your garden.
Whether you’re carving out a brand new space for a water feature or reinventing an existing one, there are numerous ways to bring a vintage aesthetic to your garden. For a palatial look, consider installing a stone water fountain. This eye-catching statement piece can serve as the garden's focal point, around which everything else is framed.
Stone fountains also look fantastic when set back in a secluded area, creating a calming space to relax. If you prefer a more natural and romantic aesthetic, a wildlife pond complete with floating plants such as water lilies and tall bullrushes can evoke a secret garden style. This creates a looser, more organic look compared to a structured water fountain.
For smaller water features, many decorative containers can be repurposed. Bird baths, troughs, wooden barrels, or recycled metal buckets can all be turned into charming water features. Their naturally weathered patina will fit perfectly into a vintage garden, adding charm and character without overwhelming the space.
Embracing vintage garden landscaping means welcoming the beauty of imperfection. Planting becomes more relaxed, with mixed borders and climbers scrambling over vertical structures and surfaces. While neat and tidy gardens have their place, sometimes a garden truly thrives with a more laid-back approach. The structure still plays a role in some vintage designs, like formation planting and topiary, but the true romanticism of a bygone era lies in incorporating old treasures, allowing plants to roam freely, and creating a magical space that tells a story.