Woodie’s Picks: Statement Trees To Bring Whimsical Fairytale Magic To Your Garden
Each year, much like in the world of fashion or home decor, different trends emerge in garden styles and spread rapidly. In 2025, a notable trend observed among creators and home curators nationwide was the concept of ‘whimsy.’
If this is the first you’re hearing of this trend, you likely have some idea of what it could mean, but we wanted to share the definition with you for a bit more clarity. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Whimsy is defined as: the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful.
In this installment of Woodie’s Picks, we will highlight the key factors to creating a garden full of whimsy. Then we will spotlight four statement trees that you can shop for now, and select a ship date to plant and enjoy come springtime!
How To Grow a Whimsical Garden
Embrace Variety
The number one tip for growing a garden, as seen in fairytale books, is the idea of embracing variety. By incorporating a mix of plants with varying heights, colors, and textures, you create a tapestry of wonder and magic for onlookers to enjoy. Native plant varieties, such as Maidenhair Ferns, Oakleaf Hydrangeas, and Bluebells, are popular options for bringing a touch of whimsy to life.
Layered Bloom Times
Another important consideration when growing a garden suited for the fairies is the concept of staggering your plant bloom times. This is achieved by meticulously selecting your plant varieties to ensure an explosion of blooms in every season. For early spring color, plant redbud trees. For mid-spring blooms, plant peonies. For Early summer, grow hydrangeas. For late summer, plant echinacea. For fall: Anemone. And lastly, in winter, plant hellebores!
A Mix of Natural and Playful Accents
A final tip for creating a space that feels enchanting is to mix natural and playful accents. We envision tiny fairy homes, twinkling lights, stone-lined pathways, and relaxing water features to tie the entire fairytale look together. Our summer partnership with @Asliceopi was a great example of this, as she created a pathway and lined it with a variety of perennials and shrubs.
Spring Trees That are The Definition of Whimsy in The Garden
Rising Sun Redbud
As a harbinger of spring, no fairytale garden would be complete without the burst of fuchsia petals that emerge from Redbud Trees in early April. The Rising Sun Redbud is a popular variety that sells out year after year. Some notable benefits of this stellar specimen, aside from the spring blooms, include full sun tolerance, the ability to withstand drought conditions, a compact size suitable for small spaces, and a low-maintenance care regimen. New leaves on the Rising Sun Redbud emerge in hues of fiery orange and apricot, eventually transitioning to shades of gold and lime green.
Weeping Willow Tree
Next on the list of whimsical spring planting favorites is the beloved Weeping Willow Tree. With its arching branches and leaves that cascade in a waterfall of rich greenery, the Weeping Willow is what fairytale dreams are made of. These trees are graceful, fast-growing, and at maturity, they create a shady retreat to indulge in on sunny days. Willows thrive near water features, such as ponds and streams, and their reflection in these features adds an extra touch of magic to any outdoor space.
Pink Kousa Dogwood
Blooming slightly later in the spring season, but still radiating magic and enchantment, is the Pink Kousa Dogwood tree. Large star-like blooms with golden centers and white to deep pink petals emerge in late spring to early summer, and light up a landscape with beauty that’s impossible to ignore. The magic doesn’t stop there, though! These gorgeous creatures also provide late-season interest, with warm fall hues and berries. Beyond their beauty, Kousa Dogwood trees are notably disease-resistant, extremely adaptable, and deer are not particularly fond of the flavor their foliage provides.
Viridis Japanese Maple
Last on the list of plants that exude whimsical elegance is the Viridis Japanese Maple. Delicate, lacy leaves emerge in mid-spring in a vibrant chartreuse hue and continue through to fall, transitioning into astounding shades of gold as temperatures drop. The tree boasts a unique weeping, cascading habit that adds to its charm, and it typically reaches 6-10 feet in height, making it ideal for patios, containers, and small yards.
Shop Whimsical Garden Essentials Online Today
A whimsical garden is built on imagination, layered beauty, and plants that spark a sense of wonder every time you step outside. Whether you choose a Redbud that glows at sunrise, a Weeping Willow that drapes your yard in storybook charm, a Dogwood that shines in late spring, or a Japanese Maple that brings color from spring to fall, each tree adds its own touch of magic. Start planning your fairytale landscape today and bring home the trees that will inspire joy for years to come.