Beautiful Victorian Gardens

Victorian gardening became very popular during the Victorian Era for a few different reasons. One reason is that there was newer technology at that time than they had previously. Of course, there was more time the middle class had to devote to gardening than before. There was also more access to various kinds of plants, as well as the invention of suburban living. The combination of these variables helped to shape the rise of Victorian gardening, among other things.

One of the new and bigger feats of the time was growing a beautiful lawn, and keeping it well manicured, etc. Just like today, keeping a nice and healthy lawn took a lot of work. During the Victorian Era, it wasn't just one lawn, but two. A front and back lawn for example, were needed to be in place before you would then step into creating a beautiful Victorian garden. I don't know if it was always the case, but I found this bit of information rather interesting to learn. If you think about it, it also really isn't that different than today. Sometimes people barely carve out the time to care well for their lawns. The idea of stepping out into a whole new set of design with flowers, trees and shrubs was a whole other thing. Many were up to attempting the task, however.

So once your lush lawns were in place, the next step was to embellish beyond this point. It basically almost turned into a way to have an indoor parlor, outdoors. For the beautiful Victorian gardens I have seen over the years, they definitely are inviting in this regard. To have some nice lawn furniture outdoors makes it a whole new living space to experience and enjoy.

The most basic way to describe what a Victorian garden entails is to have three basic elements that are used to create an outdoor masterpiece. These three items include the following:

1. Landscape Design - This includes the three basics of lawns, trees and shrubs. Many like to hire landscape designers for this part as it is such a core part of the garden design. Depending on where you live, a landscaper will know exactly what to best suggest for your needs. For me, I would love easy to care for plants and trees. I would prefer those that are native to the area I am in, and also would prefer that it truly benefit wildlife as much or more than it benefits my family. Kind of a tall order, but a landscaper can help with such things.

As you see in the photos, you have some brick paths that are curved, along with some very beautiful borders around the individual sections of flowers. It seems to work out from its center, and is simply stunning. You can easily walk in and amongst the flowers this way, and experience the garden with more of your senses than you might otherwise.

2. Lawn Ornaments and Fencing - I first observed the most beautiful gardens that would fit this description when I went to Charleston South Carolina. The had a Southern flair as well, but they would definitely fit the description of Victorian. They had amazing fences, so often. You could see iron gates surrounding stunning gardens, which were almost ornaments themselves. Even when these gardens were small and on the side of a narrow home, they were lovely to behold.

As for ornaments, these can range from sculptures to different kinds of art, to gazing balls, etc. When I picture the beautiful gardens I have been to, I think less is more, or very carefully chosen pieces, nothing over the top or that makes things look cluttered or too busy. Fountains would make an excellent choice for an ornament as well.

3. Flowers - Of course, flowers are a huge part, if not almost the biggest part of Victorian Gardens. Except for wintertime, I can't even begin to picture a Victorian garden without flowers. That said, however, a sign of a truly well done Victorian garden would be one where the garden maintains its beauty in all seasons, due to the design, etc. Flowers in the spring, summer and fall seasons help to make a Victorian garden the beautiful thing that it is. Below, I share some commonly found flowers in Victorian Gardens.

If I ever were to have my own Victorian garden, I think picking the flowers would be the point at which I would be most looking forward to. Flowers are what come to mind, big showy and gorgeous flowers, when I think of Victorian gardens. Below I share some of the flowers that would fit well into a Victorian garden.

Some good choices for flowers in your garden could include zebra mallow, flowering tobacco, penstemon, catchfly, double knock out roses, English daisies, and pink flower carpet rose.

Other good flowers are sweat peas, Rodgersia, heliotrope, zinnias, marigolds, salvia, tansy and primroses.

As for herbs that would fit in well, some could be lavender, oregano and dill. Some have used different kinds of sage as well, even multiple kinds in decorative pots, that would help to dress up even the corners of the garden with a real touch of class.

I love gardens and always have, but there is something that seems extra special about Victorian gardens. It would be a dream to have my own Victorian garden one day. Until then, I am very content seeing the beauty of other's gardens.

As for the gardens pictured here, one of the very special things are the Victorian Buildings nearby. If you look closely in the photos, you can see some of them or parts of them.