How To Create a Formal French-Country Style Garden
The fairytale garden of your dreams doesn’t have to just exist in the storybooks. As a long-standing classic style in the gardening world for centuries, the formal European style garden has inspired the design of many landscaping masterpieces around the world.
In this blog, we are particularly focusing on the garden styles seen in 17th-century France. We recently partnered with social media influencer, @Paigekontrafouris, who has a keen eye for the classy and elegant French-Country style landscape design with some unique twists of her own.
If you want to be transported to the whimsical French countryside each time you meander into your backyard, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. In this blog, we will discuss the influence of French design in the garden world and delve into the key pointers to transforming your outdoor space in such a manner.
The French Country Influence on The Gardening Community
The foundations of French gardens, both formal and country styles, were laid by the earlier Italian Baroque designs. Italian gardens introduced the use of thoughtfully pruned evergreens, geometric layouts and symmetrical patterns, as well as fountains terraces and stairways to build structure and interest in an outdoor space.
These elements formed the basis of French garden design, emphasizing order, harmony, and a sense of measured grandeur, reflecting the Renaissance ideals popular across Europe. Building on Italian influences, French gardeners developed the more formal Jardin à la française (French formal garden), which reached its peak during Louis XIV's reign.
Later, in the 18th century, the French landscape garden, or "jardin à l'anglaise", emerged as a more naturalistic style, influenced by English landscape gardens and the idealization of romantic landscapes in art and philosophy. This style embraced asymmetry and rustic scenes, often incorporating "fabriques de jardin" (garden structures) like temples, ruins, and whimsical pavilions.
Since then, gardens across Europe have begun adapting to similar styles and practices, and the gardening world has arguably never been the same.
Key Pointers For Formal French Garden Design
Blending Formality with Natural Charm
French country gardens incorporate the formality and class of original French and Italian garden styles; however, they introduce a relaxed charm and splendor by incorporating less manicured and perfect plants, leaning towards a more natural and free style.
Emphasis on Structure and Symmetry
In addition to this blend of formal and informal pieces, French country-style landscaping also emphasizes structure and symmetry. Picture pea gravel pathways lined with evergreen hedges on each side, or a structural focal point like a statue or fountain surrounded by plants placed thoughtfully around in a recognizable pattern.
Rustic and Antique Influence
Beyond the plant selection and layout of your European-influenced outdoor space, you will want to think about the little details and unique elements you can incorporate to really take a French garden to the next level. Incorporating rustic, antique furniture, like wrought iron chairs, wooden benches, terracotta pots, and charming arbors, will pull your garden together.
A Front Yard Transformation With a French Country Influence
Now that you’ve learned the key concepts involved in designing a garden fit for a French maiden, you can watch the concepts in action as influencer @Paigekontrafouris brings the vision to life! We recently partnered with Paige to revamp the front yard area around her home’s entryway, and we can not get over how incredible the project turned out!
Paige is a New Jersey-based designer who draws inspiration from various periods and weaves in modern accents with upscale antique and vintage finds.
Paige’s eye for design, paired with the convenience of our top-quality plants delivered to her doorstep, made this project a breeze!
Below are the details of the base plants she selected for this project.
Little Lime Hydrangeas
As the key planting focal point around her formal fountain, Paige chose Little Lime Hydrangeas as the star. These gorgeous summer bloomers were the ideal option for various reasons. Little Lime Hydrangeas are great for smaller spaces where you want a mass of flowers without completely overwhelming the space. The mass of sweet white blooms with a green tint brings a classic and cozy feel to a garden.
Hosta Francee
With the backdrop of lush Little Lime Hydrangeas, you are off to a great start in building a breathtaking garden with hints of French influence.
To bring more pops of color and dimension to your landscape, you will want to meticulously place some lush perennial plants along the next layer of your garden. Paige opted for a mass of Hosta Francee to add interest and bright green color along the base of the Hydrangeas.
Ostrich Ferns
To tap into the more naturalistic feel that French country-style landscapes seem to have, you should include some form of textured foliage in your design as well.
Paige mixed in a number of vivacious Ostrich Ferns to fan about around the edges of her garden beds, which really tied this unique yard design together.
Shop French Garden Plants Online
Regardless of where you live, you can always seek inspiration from gardens around the world! Grow your dream garden of international influence and enjoy a vacation in your backyard daily! Shop our wide selection of plants online today and enjoy shipment directly to your doorstep!