Gardening is a dynamic art that allows you to create beautiful and functional spaces using nature's plants and palettes. With so many garden types to choose from, how do you achieve the unique charm, look, and purpose? Make the right plant selections.
Whether you're a fan of lush cottage gardens or the serenity of a Zen garden, there are specific plants that we expect to see in each type. Find definitions for different garden types, their unique characteristics, the stories behind their names, and tips for the top 10 most popular flowers for each type.
Cottage gardens have a romantic and informal appeal, often reminiscent of traditional English countryside homes. These gardens are characterized by a mix of colors, textures, and fragrances. They often include a blend of perennials, annuals, and self-seeding plants.
Roses, lavender, delphiniums, peonies, hollyhocks, foxgloves, sweet peas, lupines, columbines, campanulas.
Inspired by the landscapes of Southern Europe, Mediterranean gardens are drought-tolerant and filled with plants that thrive in sunny, dry conditions. They often incorporate gravel paths, terracotta pots, and architectural elements.
Lavender, rosemary, bougainvillea, agapanthus, oleander, kniphofia, salvia, shrub rose, penstemon, euphorbia.
Container gardens are versatile and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of space limitations. By planting in pots, containers, or hanging baskets, you’ll enjoy portability and the ability to adjust the amount of sunlight exposure if needed and you can showcase your creativity with plants and containers.
Petunias, geraniums, bleeding hearts, calibrachoas, begonias, verbena, nasturtiums, pansies, marigolds, alyssum.
Pollinator gardens are thoughtfully designed to attract and support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. They focus on providing nectar-rich plants and habitats for these important creatures.
Bee balm, butterfly bush, coneflowers, zinnias, sunflowers, liatris, salvia, asters, coreopsis, phlox.
Native gardens celebrate local ecosystems and support regional wildlife. They feature plants that naturally occur in the area and require minimal maintenance.
Black-eyed Susans, milkweed, cardinal flower, goldenrod, columbine, purple coneflower, lupine, Joe Pye weed, penstemon, indigo.
Organic gardens prioritize natural methods of pest control and soil enrichment. They promote sustainability and harmony with the environment.
Marigolds, nasturtiums, calendula, sunflowers, sweet alyssum, cosmos, borage, chrysanthemums, daisies, phlox.
An English garden is known for its structured layout, lush greenery, and a blend of formal and informal elements. These gardens often include neatly trimmed hedges and intricate pathways.
Roses, delphiniums, irises, poppies, hollyhocks, foxgloves, peonies, campanulas, aquilegias, Canterbury bells.
Vegetable gardens are a source of fresh produce and a rewarding way to supplement your diet. They combine edible plants most often in well-organized beds or rows. These flowers are popular and beneficial for companion planting in vegetable gardens – and some are edible, too.
Marigolds, nasturtiums, calendula, sunflowers, sweet alyssum, cosmos, borage, chrysanthemums, daisies, zinnias.
A classic flower garden showcases an array of blooms, often focusing on aesthetics and a wide variety of colors and shapes.
Roses, tulips, lilies, daffodils, peonies, irises, gladioli, dahlias, cosmos, zinnias.
Spring gardens highlight the elegance and beauty of flowers that grow mostly from bulbs, often featuring large swaths of one or more varieties in a spring garden. Try lasagna planting, too.
Allium, narcissus, starflower, tulips, crocus, colchicum, hyacinth, anemone, galanthus, freesia.
With so many garden types to choose from, there's a style that suits every gardener's preferences. Use these flower recommendations a starting point for your favorite garden style. Be sure to verify your growing zone and choose plants recommended for your area.
