Creating a sense of enclosure in the garden is an easy way to transform it from a simple outdoor space into a cozy, personal retreat. Enclosures provide a peaceful sanctuary to unwind, read a book, or enjoy a cup of tea, creating a sense of privacy, security, and comfort. Through the clever use of everyday elements to create these cozy areas, they add depth and structure to the garden and transform it into a multi-dimensional space.

But, just as important, creating a sense of enclosure also adds a sense of mystery and discovery to the garden, with new sights and experiences around every corner. Whether using a permanent built-in structure, upcycled everyday items, or a clever use of plants, the sky’s the limit when creating your unique private hideaway.

CREATING A SENSE OF ENCLOSURE WITH STRUCTURES

Permanent structures, such as arbors, pergolas, freestanding trellises, or stand-alone follies, are excellent options for creating a year-round sense of enclosure in your garden. In larger gardens, arbors and pergolas are ideal ways to carve intimate spaces out of an expansive area. This will not only make your garden more inviting but can also become a charming vignette that can serve as a focal point.

Arbors

Although the terms "arbor" and "pergola" are often used interchangeably, they are distinctly different structures. An arbor frequently incorporates a trellis into its design, typically along its sides, as decoration and support for climbing plants. Often, an arbor has an arched shape and can be used within the garden or at the beginning (or end) of a pathway, serving as a charming entryway or focal point. Additionally, arbors are usually smaller in scale than pergolas, making them perfect for creating cozy spots in the garden.

Pergolas

Like arbors, pergolas can also support climbing plants, but they are typically larger in scale. Pergolas have four vertical posts supporting an open roof-like structure of crossbeams and open lattice, providing partial shade and a sense of openness while defining an outdoor space. This design creates a spacious and airy environment, perfect for creating an outdoor room. At the same time, the framework is ideal for supporting larger climbing vines, such as wisteria, grapevines, clematis, or climbing roses.

Garden Nooks

A garden nook is typically a small, cozy corner or alcove within the garden designed to offer a peaceful retreat from the rest of the outdoor space. It’s often strategically placed for privacy and seclusion, featuring comfortable seating, such as a bench or a set of chairs. To help enhance the sense of intimacy, surround this space with lush greenery, favorite flowers (scented is a bonus!), or tall and weeping plants. The goal is to create a charming, secluded spot to relax, read, or enjoy the garden's serenity.

When artfully created with personality and detailed design elements, garden nooks serve a functional purpose and become stunning focal points, adding charm and character to your garden.

GARDEN ROOMS

Creating garden rooms is a fantastic way to add a sense of enclosure and exploration to your outdoor space. Similar to the rooms in a house, outdoor rooms also need walls and ceilings (or at least the illusion of them) to create a sense of intimacy and to define the space. Using elements such as trellises, pergolas, and strategically placed plants, you can craft both the “ceiling” and “walls” of a garden room, enhancing privacy while defining distinct areas.

It may seem counterintuitive to those with small gardens, but adding a garden room or two makes small spaces feel more expansive. A common pitfall of small gardens is viewing the entire garden with one glance (often resulting in an overcrowded and cramped feeling.) However, adding a garden room or nook creates the illusion of a larger, more expansive space when encouraged to walk through the garden to discover all it has to offer.

CREATING A SENSE OF ENCLOSURE WITH PLANTS

While non-living, permanent structures are great for creating a sense of enclosure, remember the power of plants! Using towering perennials, hedges (both low and tall), or even groupings of containers, a sense of intimacy is created while also adding color, texture, and scent. When strategically using plants this way, they create dynamic, ever-changing enclosures that grow and evolve with the seasons. They can soften the lines of hardscaping, attract wildlife, and enhance the overall sensory experience of your garden, resulting in an immersive and delightful retreat.

Weeping Plants

Weeping and draping plants are an excellent way to create a sense of enclosure in your garden. Taller plants with gracefully cascading branches and leaves add a soft, natural curtain that enhances privacy and defines spaces without solid barriers.

The flowing forms of plants, such as weeping willows, Grevillea ‘Long John’, or Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman,’ add a touch of elegance and movement, creating a dynamic and romantic atmosphere. By strategically planting these draping beauties, you not only help to create secluded nooks and cozy corners but, depending on the plant itself, create a stunning focal point.

Tree Canopy

More extensive gardens can sometimes feel uninviting when surrounded by expansive spaces, definitely not conducive to intimate gatherings. However, one strategy to tame a large garden is to bring down its scale through the use of taller plants and trees. A tree canopy can act as the ‘ceiling’, the first step in creating a sense of enclosure. To continue creating a cozy space, place comfortable seating under the canopy and perhaps a few mid-sized perennials or a container overflowing with colorful annuals.

Hedges

Hedges, whether low, medium, or tall, are excellent for creating a sense of enclosure within a garden space. Low hedges can define the borders of a cozy nook while maintaining an open feel. Medium-height hedges offer a balance of privacy and openness, making them ideal for separating different sections of the garden. Tall hedges, on the other hand, provide substantial privacy and can serve as natural walls, completely shielding certain areas from view. A bonus is the dense foliage of many hedges, which can serve as a habitat for wildlife and add another dynamic layer to your garden.

Berms

Creating berms in the garden is a favorite strategy for enhancing privacy with plants. A berm provides an additional "lift," adding height and privacy where needed while remaining open and welcoming. Even if the berm is no more than 14 inches at its highest point, once planted, it creates a natural barrier that can blend seamlessly with the rest of the garden. Moreover, the elevation changes introduced by berms can help drainage and prevent soil erosion, offering practical benefits and aesthetic improvements. This method allows you to craft a more dynamic and private garden environment without the need for fences or walls, maintaining your garden's natural and open feel.

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