Our Favorite Plants for an English Style Garden

This article was created in collaboration with Edible Indy’s sister publication, Haven. 

LUSH BLOOMS OVERFLOW ON A WINDING PATH AND WARM TEA SERVED AMONG THE ROSES

The decadent scenescapes of shows like Netflix’s Bridgerton have sparked a resurgence of the English Garden, a style trend that pairs well with warm, buttery scones and a cup of tea for a springtime picnic straight from the pages of The Secret Garden.

English Garden landscaping is characterized by shapely shrubs, fragrant florals, and clearly defined paths. These gardens make it easy for homeowners to cut bouquets throughout the summer, and are also friendly to local bee and butterfly populations. To cultivate your own English garden landscaping, try incorporating any of these common perennials.

LAVENDER

Lavender is one of the most forgiving perennials you can plant in an Indiana garden. They’re drought resistant and seem to rise from the dead every spring with little to no maintenance. Lavender is of course incredibly handy as a stress-relief or cut flower, but you can also use its blooms for a homemade lavender latte. Simply harvest the lavender buds from the stem and grind them with a mortar and pestle. Mix a teaspoon of lavender and a teaspoon of honey in with your espresso, then pour in your milk. Top with leftover lavender if you’re feeling fancy.

BOXWOOD

Boxwood Shrubs are ideal for hardscaping and defined trimming. They hold their shape well and require little maintenance once established. It’s these characteristics that make them a classic favorite for landscapers. They can be planted in-ground or kept in pots.

CORAL NYMPH SAGE

This variety of salvia sprouts pale pink shoots that resemble tiny orchids. They grow as perennials and bloom in late summer. The spritely spouts of color give the flower its name, and look amazing in a bouquet where the blooms seem to dance around the other petals.

FRUIT TREES

Not many Hoosiers know this, but Pear and Apple trees thrive in our local climate. A fruit tree might take a year or two to establish before producing fruit, but the time investment is well-worth the returns once you get to harvest fresh fruit from your own yard. Plus, there’s something romantic in the symbolism of plucking pears from the branches of your garden. Purdue Extension recommends GoldRush, Enterprise or Prima apples, among others, for those trying to grow their own apples at home. 

ENGLISH ROSE

Shrub Roses can be fickle, but many think that the blooms and scent are well worth the added effort. Give room away from paths or train it to climb a wall or trellis. Plant them 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost so that the roots can establish before winter. 

HYDRANGEAS

Another tried and true midwestern shrub helps to fill out the English Garden style. These woody shrubs can grow up to two feet every year, so be sure to set some long term expectations to avoid unpleasant pruning surprises down the road.