Nature, Designed: A Guide to Finding Your Garden’s Signature Style

Landscape design has evolved radically over the centuries, resulting in a rich tapestry of styles that shape how we experience the outdoors. From the formal, sun-drenched splendour of Spanish walled gardens to the sweeping, romantic vistas of “Capability” Brown’s English estates—and even the disciplined, tranquil control of a Japanese Zen garden—we all have personal experiences with these “man-made natural” spaces.

Most of us have a deep-seated preference for a certain look or feel, yet we often lack the specific vocabulary to describe our ideal sanctuary. In this month’s blog, we explore several iconic landscape design styles. While many of these movements overlap, each remains unique. Our goal is to arm you with the history and terminology you need to confidently plan and plant a garden that truly feels like home.

A Short History of Landscape Design

The cultivation of plants for beauty has roots in antiquity, with historic descriptions found in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. However, the story of modern landscaping truly bloomed during the Age of Exploration.

As explorers returned to Europe with exotic botanical treasures from the Americas and Asia, the need to house these delicate “aliens” led to a glass-and-iron revolution. In Victorian England, the rise of the greenhouse transformed gardening from a survivalist hobby into a high-status display of global biodiversity.

By the 18th century, designers like Lancelot “Capability” Brown pushed back against rigid lines, creating “natural” landscapes that looked like paintings. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the focus shifted toward ecological intimacy. Today, figures like Piet Oudolf have pioneered the New Perennial Movement, moving away from static displays toward a “Prairie Style”—a wild, seasonal, and deeply sustainable approach that celebrates the life cycle of plants even in their decay.

A World of Style: Finding Your Aesthetic

Cottage Garden

Known for their lush, densely planted character, cottage gardens have graced landscapes since their conception in Medieval Europe. Originally subsistence gardens filled with vegetables and herbs, they shifted into a romanticised style in Victorian England following the “Arts and Crafts” movement—a reaction against the rigid, high-maintenance gardens of the upper classes.

Example: Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent, by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.
Characteristics: Charming, dense, and “perfectly messy.” It features a mix of edibles and ornamentals, winding paths, and a riot of color.
The Vibe: Romantic, nostalgic, and high-maintenance (but worth it).

Formal Garden

Since the days when humanity sought to demonstrate power over the natural world, formal gardens have been the epitome of luxury. Defined by strong geometric and symmetrical layouts, gravel paths, manicured hedges, and bold engineering, this style continues to define the estates of the rich and famous.

Example: The Gardens of Versailles by André Le Nôtre.
Characteristics: Pure symmetry, geometric shapes, and topiary. It uses “alleys” to create long sightlines leading to a central focal point.
The Vibe: Order, prestige, and human mastery over nature.

Modern / Contemporary Garden

A more recent style drawing inspiration from formal layouts, modern gardens are known for their pared-back, minimalist approach. They embrace strong geometric shapes and use textured materials and hardscaping to create visual interest.

Example: Xi’an Expo grounds (2011) by Martha Schwartz.
Characteristics: Clean lines, bold structural elements, and a “less is more” philosophy. It often incorporates non-traditional materials like steel, concrete, or even bright plastics.
The Vibe: Architectural, artistic, and low-clutter.

Informal / Naturalistic Garden

Like the cottage garden, informal landscapes started as a reaction to the regimented style of formal designs. Lancelot “Capability” Brown, perhaps the most famous naturalistic designer, promised his clients a slice of rural beauty. Though they appear “wild,” these gardens involve deliberate planning, using follies and ha-ha walls to introduce the concept of a “borrowed landscape.”

Example: Stourhead Gardens (inspired by the Brown tradition).
Characteristics: Curving lines and asymmetrical balance. It mimics the flow of nature but is carefully curated to ensure there is always something in bloom.
The Vibe: Relaxed, inviting, and soft.

Woodland / Forest Garden

Lush, shady, and filled with texture, woodland gardens use a variety of shrubs, trees, and ferns to create splendour. Whether set in existing forests or planted from scratch, these gardens utilise plants that naturally thrive in the understory. Open “glades” are often introduced to entice visitors to explore.

Example: Isabella Plantation by George Thomson and Wally Miller.
Characteristics: Layered planting (canopy, understory, and groundcover) using shade-loving plants like rhododendrons, ferns, and mosses.
The Vibe: Cooling, quiet, and mysterious.

Japanese / Zen Garden

Inspired by Buddhist philosophy, Zen gardens have spread across the globe. Whether small-scale or grand, these gardens strive to recreate natural beauty in miniature. With traditional characteristics like spaciousness, seclusion, and antiquity, these spaces define mindfulness.

Example: Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa.
Characteristics: Rocks, water (or raked gravel representing water), and elegant bridges. Every element is symbolic, designed to encourage meditation.
The Vibe: Spiritual, disciplined, and profoundly peaceful.

Mediterranean Garden

Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, Mediterranean gardens were originally designed to be a “paradise on earth.” Often walled and planted with cypress, olive, and date palms, they generally surround large ponds or fountains that help regulate temperatures in harsh, dry climates.

Example: The Alhambra, Granada.
Characteristics: Drought-tolerant plants like lavender and succulents. It relies heavily on gravel, terracotta pots, and shaded seating areas (pergolas).
The Vibe: Sun-drenched, water-wise, and evocative of a permanent vacation.

Prairie Style Garden

A modern reworking of the cottage and informal garden, the Prairie style combines perennial planting with grasses to add movement. Made world-famous by Dutch designer Piet Oudolf, this philosophy uses wide swaths of colour and texture. Structure is generally introduced through edged lawns and pathways.

Example: The High Line, NYC, by Piet Oudolf.
Characteristics: Large drifts of ornamental grasses. The focus is on the plant’s structure and how it moves in the wind, rather than just the flower colour.
The Vibe: Wild, ethereal, and deeply connected to the seasons.

Sustainable / Ecological Garden

While botanical gardens are excellent examples of this style, the move toward low-maintenance, drought-tolerant spaces has sparked a new sustainable movement. Sharing DNA with cottage and prairie styles, these gardens embrace indigenous planting and regenerative principles.

Example: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.
Characteristics: Prioritises native plants, rainwater harvesting, and “pollinator highways.” It is designed to give back to the local ecosystem.
The Vibe: Ethical, vibrant, and buzzing with life.

Homestead Garden

Born from a desire for self-sufficiency, the homestead garden proves that utility can be breathtaking. This style treats the landscape as a living pantry, blurring the lines between the orchard, the vegetable patch, and the ornamental border.

Example: Babylonstoren, South Africa, by Patrice Taravella.
Characteristics: Raised vegetable beds, fruit-bearing trees (espaliers), and herb knots. It utilises companion planting to manage pests naturally.
The Vibe: Wholesome, industrious, and deeply rewarding.

Xeriscaping

Developed for arid regions, Xeriscaping (from the Greek xeros, meaning dry) has become a global trend due to climate change. Far from being just “rocks and cacti,” modern Xeriscaping uses a sophisticated palette of textures to create high-impact, low-water environments.

Example: The Ethnobotanical Garden in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Characteristics: Local stone, gravel mulches, and “hydro-zoning” (grouping plants by water needs). It features striking architectural plants like Agave and Yucca.
The Vibe: Bold, sculptural, and environmentally resilient.

Conclusion: Which Garden Is Best for You?

We hope this list has broadened your knowledge and that at least one of these styles resonated with you. Remember: a garden isn’t just a collection of plants; it’s a conversation between you and the earth.

The “best” garden design isn’t the one that looks best in a magazine—it’s the one that makes you want to step outside. Whether you crave the meditative silence of a Zen space or the cheerful chaos of a cottage border, your garden should be a reflection of your own inner landscape. Nature doesn’t demand perfection; it only asks for your presence. So, take these styles, mix them, break the rules, and plant the sanctuary you’ve always wanted.

Quiz: What is Your Garden’s Signature Style?

Instructions: Choose the answer that best describes your dream outdoor experience. Keep track of your letters to find your match at the end!

1. It’s a Saturday morning. Where would we find you?

A. Deadheading roses and sipping tea in a cosy, hidden nook.
B. Walking along a perfectly straight stone path, admiring the symmetry.
C. Meditating by a still pond or raking patterns into sand.
D. Harvesting fresh heirloom tomatoes and herbs for lunch.
E. Watching the wind whip through tall grasses and wildflowers.

2. Which colour palette makes your heart sing?

A. A riot of pastels: pinks, purples, and soft whites.
B. Deep greens, crisp whites, and the grey of clean-cut stone.
C. Earthy moss greens, dark wood, and the grey of natural boulders.
D. Every shade of the rainbow—if it’s edible, it’s beautiful!
E. Muted gold, amber, and deep burgundy that changes with the seasons.

3. How do you feel about “weeds” and wild growth?

A. A little chaos is charming; I like a “perfectly messy” look.
B. Absolutely not. Every hedge should be clipped to perfection.
C. Nature should be controlled but look effortless and ancient.
D. If it’s not a weed but a self-seeding herb, let it stay!
E. I embrace the “wild”—even the brown stalks in winter have beauty.

4. What is the most important “feature” in your garden?

A. A weathered wooden bench or a birdbath.
B. A grand fountain or a focal statue at the end of a path.
C. A single, perfectly placed stone or a trickling bamboo water pipe.
D. A greenhouse, raised beds, or a chicken coop.
E. Wide-open space where plants can sway and move.

The Results

Mostly A’s: The Romantic Dreamer (Cottage Style) You crave nostalgia and charm. Your ideal garden is a fragrant, flower-filled escape that feels like a hug from nature.

Mostly B’s: The Elegant Perfectionist (Formal Style) You find peace in order. You value structure, symmetry, and the feeling of “prestige” that comes with a well-manicured estate.

Mostly C’s: The Zen Seeker (Japanese/Woodland Style) You view the garden as a spiritual retreat. You prefer subtle textures and quiet spaces designed for deep reflection and mindfulness.

Mostly D’s: The Practical Provider (Homestead Style) To you, beauty is found in utility. You want a “working” landscape that feeds your family and celebrates the cycle of the harvest.

Mostly E’s: The Modern Naturalist (Prairie/Sustainable Style) You are a fan of the “New Perennial” look. You want a garden that feels wild, supports the bees, and looks stunning even as the seasons fade.