Wags will tell you that there are only three topics you can safely discuss with an Englishman: the weather, the royal family, and his garden. And they’re not entirely wrong. Gardening is something of a national obsession, and many a green-fingered soul outside Britain has tried to cultivate that famously lush English lawn. But an English garden is about far more than a perfectly manicured patch of green. It’s playful, spontaneous, romantic, untamed, surprising, and wonderfully diverse—a style admired (and often poorly imitated) around the world. The secret ingredient? That quintessentially British climate, with its mild winters and endless drizzle.
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A Brief History of English Gardens
English gardens—or English parks, as they are sometimes called—emerged as a distinct style in the early 18th century. They were, in many ways, a reaction to the rigid, highly structured formal gardens favoured by the French, with their symmetrical designs and clipped perfection. No one can quite agree on who first came up with the idea of the English garden as a distinct style, and the debate has led to more than a few arguments among landscape architects. Even the French and Italians have tried to claim credit, and to complicate matters further, the style also seems to draw inspiration from Japanese and Chinese gardens. Whoever it was, they certainly knew what they were doing.
What Defines an English Garden?
There are plenty of definitions and guidelines, but no hard and fast rules. The key principle is a seamless connection between the house, the garden, and the surrounding landscape. Unlike in some parts of the world, where high walls and solid fences keep gardens hidden from prying eyes, an English garden is often bordered by a simple wooden picket fence or a low stone wall—just enough to mark the boundary without spoiling the view. The English are proud of their gardens, so why hide them?

The defining characteristic of an English garden is its natural look—as if it simply grew that way, untouched by human hands. Of course, the reality is quite the opposite. These gardens are carefully planned, divided into distinct areas, and often take advantage of the natural undulations of the land. Expect rolling lawns (or even meadows in larger gardens), rockeries, ponds, trickling streams, and winding paths. Stone, often paired with water features, is a common element, and there’s always a breathtaking view to admire. The goal? To delight and surprise visitors all year round.
Another key feature is a sense of intimacy. Benches are thoughtfully placed, pergolas and arbours invite you to linger, and climbers like roses and wisteria create pockets of shade and seclusion. Perfection isn’t the point—rather, it’s about charm and character. And while space helps, even the tiniest front garden can be transformed into a lush oasis.


When it comes to planting, English gardens embrace a joyful mix of ornamental and edible plants. It’s not unusual to see berry bushes growing next to peonies or strawberries sharing a bed with foxgloves. A proper English gardener will always find room for vegetable patches and herb gardens, too. Borders are dense, full of colour, and brimming with plants of varying heights. And, of course, no English garden would be complete without its crowning glory: roses. If you’ve ever read an English country house murder mystery, you’ll know that roses are practically compulsory. They climb over trellises, form hedges, or sit obediently in beds, waiting to be snipped for the vase. Other garden favourites include dahlias, lupins, cosmos, phlox, delphiniums, wisteria, primroses, lilies, and lavender.
Thanks to Britain’s temperate climate, even plants from warmer regions can thrive. Victorian gardeners in particular were fond of adding a touch of the exotic, and this trend continued well into the 20th century. Head to the milder south of England, and you’ll find that many well-kept gardens boast at least one palm tree standing proudly amidst the flowerbeds.
Can You Create an English Garden Elsewhere?
Yes, but… The biggest challenge in recreating an English garden outside Britain is the climate. Unlike the UK, much of Europe experiences more extreme temperature fluctuations—hotter, drier summers and colder winters. This means that if you’re attempting an English-style garden in, say, Central Europe, you’ll need to take extra care to protect delicate plants from frost and drought.

Space is another issue. In recent decades, smaller plots have become the norm for new homes, making it tricky to achieve the sense of openness that English gardens rely on. The idea of leaving a garden unfenced, with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, is also a tough sell in countries where privacy is prized. And, of course, not everyone has the time or inclination to devote themselves to gardening—a hobby that requires no small amount of patience and dedication.
But if you love the idea of an English garden and don’t have the space (or the time) to create one yourself, there’s always another option: visit one. If you happen to find yourself in the Czech Republic, head to the grand estates of Veltrusy and Krásný Dvůr, or explore the stunning parks of Lednice or Terčino údolí near Nové Hrady. These historic landscapes were designed to imitate nature in the most artful way possible, embodying the very essence of the English garden style. You’ll also find similar parks surrounding castles, in spa towns, and near sanatoriums—places designed to soothe the soul, particularly in autumn, when the trees put on their fiery display of gold and crimson.

The English Garden: A State of Mind
Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through a landscape sculpted by an expert gardener or simply enjoy sitting on a sun-warmed bench, surrounded by roses in your own little oasis, an English garden offers endless inspiration. It’s a style that celebrates nature’s beauty, ever-changing through the seasons, and one that reminds us that life, like a garden, is all about embracing change.
And if you’re a keen gardener yourself, do share your successes in the comments—we’d love to hear about them!