25 Secret Garden Ideas
Do you have a hidden oasis in your yard just waiting for you to create your own secret garden? A secret garden is a small area in your backyard that is enclosed by natural elements or walls and is designed to give you a peaceful, serene, and beautiful space that is all your own.
If you have a small area in your backyard that you have been thinking about turning into your own secret garden, take a look at these 25 secret garden ideas that will help you create a beautiful and serene outdoor space.
1. A hidden nook at the end of the garden
How lovely is this little seating area? It’s such a simple look, but having the path lead to a secluded seating area at the end of the garden makes for a really inviting space.
The soft pink of the roses and the pretty floral cushions add just the right amount of color to the space, too.
2. A serene and private garden oasis
With tall fencing and a canopy of trees, this garden feels like a world of its own. The stone pathway leads to a cozy seating area with a bench and a bistro table and chairs that’s perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or a good book.
A large urn overflows with flowers, adding a pop of color to the monochromatic stone garden. The garden is framed by a low stone wall and a tall fence, making it feel like a private escape.
3. A secret garden with a relaxing hammock
If you’re lucky enough to have a big garden, then you might have room for a secret corner like this. A hammock is the perfect way to enjoy a quiet space, and it’s a great alternative to a bench or garden chair.
This hammock is shaded by a large tree, but you could also string up a sail shade or a canopy to keep the sun off you.
4. A cozy garden hideaway with a beautiful stone wall
This beautiful stone wall and the lush greenery that surrounds it creates the perfect cozy garden nook. Add an outdoor sofa, a few chairs, or a bench to create a place where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of your garden.
The wall also creates a sense of privacy and separation from the rest of the yard, making it feel like a secret garden hideaway.
5. A secret garden with a hidden door
If you’re lucky enough to have a large garden, then you might be able to create a secret garden within it. This garden room has been created using a tall stone wall, which has a door hidden in the ivy that covers it.
The door is painted a bold blue, which contrasts beautifully with the green of the ivy. A large stone urn filled with flowers sits to one side of the door, adding even more color.
6. A secret garden with a small waterfall
If you’re lucky enough to have a slope in your backyard, consider adding a small waterfall to your garden. This little oasis, designed by Janice Parker Landscape Architects, is nestled in the rolling hills of the Connecticut countryside. The waterfall adds a relaxing sound to the garden and the small pool at the bottom creates a unique focal point.
To add a bit of whimsy, a small bridge was added to connect the two sides of the garden. This is the perfect spot to add a bench, so you can sit and relax while listening to the sound of the waterfall.
7. A secret garden with a beautiful gate
This garden is a great example of how to create a private space in your own backyard. The tall plants and trees create a natural enclosure, and the pavers in the center of the garden create a sense of separation from the rest of the yard.
The beautiful gate is a great touch, and the climbing plants make it look like the garden is spilling out into the rest of the yard.
8. A secret garden with a beautiful water feature
This secret garden has a beautiful water feature that adds a sense of tranquility to the space. The water feature is made from natural stone and is surrounded by a lush flower garden.
A small path leads to the water feature, and there is a bench nearby where you can sit and enjoy the view. The water feature is the focal point of the garden and is surrounded by a variety of plants, including ferns, hostas, and hydrangeas.
9. A secret garden with a hidden pathway
Create a sense of intrigue by placing your garden behind a tall fence and a hidden pathway. The tall trees and overgrown bushes in this garden designed by Arent & Pyke give the space a sense of mystery and privacy.
We love how the designers added a pop of color to the space with the red door and the vibrant greenery.
10. A secret garden with a small bridge
Make your backyard feel like a private oasis by adding a small bridge over a koi pond or creek. This garden by Langstaff Ellies Design has a bridge in the middle of the space that connects the two sides of the garden. It’s perfect for taking a peaceful stroll and admiring the flowers.
11. A secret garden with a beautiful arbor
An arbor is a great way to define the entrance to your secret garden. This beautiful arbor is covered in climbing roses, and the flowers that are spilling over the sides add to the feeling of enchantment.
The path leading to the arbor is lined with a variety of flowers, and the garden beyond is a mix of flowers, shrubs, and small trees. The garden is enclosed by a low hedge, and the trees on the outside of the hedge provide privacy.
The formal design of this secret garden gives it a sense of order and structure, and the variety of plants and flowers make it a feast for the eyes.
12. A secret garden with a beautiful gazebo
If you’re lucky enough to have a secret garden in your yard, consider adding a gazebo to your space. This beautiful structure is perfect for relaxing, reading, or even enjoying a meal.
Surrounded by wildflowers and trees, this gazebo feels like a hidden oasis. We love the addition of string lights and a cozy rug to make it feel even more inviting.
13. A secret garden with a beautiful pergola
A pergola makes a great addition to any garden, especially a secret one. It’s the perfect place to sit and relax, and it can also double up as a garden room. Add some outdoor lighting and a heater, and you can use it all year round.
This beautiful pergola is covered in climbing roses, which adds to the secret garden feel. You could also add a climbing plant, such as clematis, jasmine or wisteria.
14. A secret garden with a beautiful trellis
A trellis is a great way to create an entrance to your secret garden. This trellis is covered with climbing roses, and it’s the perfect way to invite you into the space.
The garden is surrounded by a picket fence, and the gate is covered with a beautiful arch. The arch is also covered with climbing roses, and it’s a great way to make the entrance to the garden feel even more special.
15. A secret garden with a beautiful fountain
If you’re looking for a little extra tranquility, add a water feature to your secret garden. The sound of running water is so relaxing, and it can help drown out any noise pollution from the rest of your yard or your neighborhood.
This garden is so lush and green, and the fountain adds a nice focal point. You could also add a small pond, a bird bath, or even a simple table top fountain to your secret garden.
16. A secret garden with a beautiful pond
If your garden is large enough, you could create a series of secret garden rooms. This garden design is a great example of how to do that, with a hidden path leading to a second seating area, and a second secret path leading to a beautiful pond.
The pond is surrounded by lush plants and a large tree, which creates a sense of seclusion and privacy. The small wooden jetty is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the view.
17. A secret garden with a beautiful pool
This beautiful secret garden is actually part of a large estate in the English countryside. The walled garden is part of the 10-acre grounds, and it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The garden is filled with beautiful flowers and trees, and there’s even a pool. The pool area is surrounded by tall hedges, so it feels like a private oasis. There are also plenty of lounge chairs, so you can spend the day soaking up the sun.
A secret garden like this would make a wonderful addition to any estate. It’s the perfect place to entertain guests or just to enjoy some peace and quiet.
18. A secret garden with a beautiful outdoor fireplace
This walled garden is a beautiful space with a large outdoor fireplace, which makes it a great spot for entertaining on cooler nights. The fireplace is the focal point of the garden, and the rest of the space is arranged in a semi-circular shape around it.
A mix of different types of seating makes the space feel more casual and helps to break up the different zones. The stone wall has a built-in bench, and there are two more benches, as well as some outdoor sofas and chairs.
19. A secret garden with a beautiful outdoor kitchen
This outdoor kitchen is a great example of how to create an outdoor living space in a garden. The cooking area is surrounded by a raised bed filled with a colorful mix of flowers and herbs, and the space is enclosed with a low wooden wall that separates it from the rest of the garden.
The wall is also used to create a sense of enclosure, and the space feels like a room in the garden. The built-in bench is a great way to add more seating to your outdoor kitchen, and the cushions make it a comfortable place to relax.
This is a great example of how to create an outdoor living space in a garden. The cooking area is surrounded by a raised bed filled with a colorful mix of flowers and herbs, and the space is enclosed with a low wooden wall that separates it from the rest of the garden.
20. A secret garden with a beautiful seating area
This garden is a great example of how you can create a secret garden feel in a small space. The high walls and tall plants create a sense of seclusion, and the garden is packed with beautiful plants and flowers to create a profusion of color and interest.
The seating area is a focal point of the garden, and it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The wooden pergola is covered with climbing plants, which help to create a sense of enclosure and make the space feel even more private.
21. A secret garden with a beautiful dining area
This beautiful dining area is surrounded by a lush garden. The greenery provides a natural privacy screen, making the space feel like a secret garden.
A trellis archway is a great way to create a sense of entry and separation between your garden and the rest of your yard. You can also use a trellis archway to create a sense of separation between different areas of your garden.
22. A secret garden with a beautiful swing
A garden swing is the perfect way to encourage you to spend more time in your garden. Swinging gently in the breeze, you’ll be able to take in all the sights and sounds of your secret garden.
Choose a secluded spot and hang your swing from a sturdy tree branch or a pergola. If you want to create a more permanent feature, you can have a swing seat built. This is a great way to make your garden feel more like an outdoor room.
23. A secret garden with a beautiful treehouse
This magical garden was designed by The Garden Builders to create a space that would be perfect for children to play in. The garden was designed with different areas to explore and play in, including a grassy area, a climbing frame, and a beautiful treehouse.
The garden is surrounded by beautiful, lush planting to create a sense of seclusion and privacy. The treehouse is the perfect place for children to let their imaginations run wild and will be a space that they can enjoy for years to come.
The garden also has a beautiful seating area for the adults to enjoy, making it a garden that the whole family can enjoy.
24. A secret garden with a beautiful playhouse
This is a dreamy garden, and we love the little playhouse at the heart of it. Tucked away at the end of a path, the playhouse looks like it’s a secret hideaway, and the garden is filled with all sorts of surprises.
The raised beds are filled with colorful flowers and there are trees and shrubs that will eventually create a wall of greenery around the space. This is a garden that will evolve over time, and we love the idea of creating a space that grows with your family.
If you want to create a secret garden for kids, you can find more ideas in our feature.
25. A secret garden with a beautiful shed
If you have the space, a shed can work as the perfect focal point for a secret garden. This beautiful shed has been painted in a soft, pastel color to blend in with the flowers and trees around it.
The large trees that surround the garden space and the climbing plants that cover the walls make you feel like you are in a secret, hidden world, and the stepping stones that lead you to the door of the shed add to the magic of this garden.
Conclusion
Create a sense of privacy and seclusion in your yard by using these privacy landscaping ideas. From hedges to fences, the tips, tricks, and DIY projects in this beginner’s guide will help you create the private space you’ve always wanted.