Today, in our Saturdays in the Garden post, we took a quick look at a few garden styles—and it reminded me just how much a garden reflects the likes and loves of the gardener. As I answered the quiz questions, I realized I’m not just one style. I’m a blend, a mix, a little bit of everything that makes me smile.
But first, the quiz.
Do I prefer tidy spaces or relaxed, natural ones? I love natural, flowing spaces—but they need crisp, tidy edges to keep everything feeling intentional.
Do I want a garden that’s low-maintenance or one that invites hands-on care? I adore being in the garden, but in this season of life, I embrace low-maintenance spaces that can mostly take care of themselves until Saturday mornings.
Am I drawn to bold color or soothing simplicity? Soft, soothing colors win my heart every time. Pinks, peaches, lavenders, pale blues—think pastels. I do have two exceptions, though: • Yellow: My favorite flower of all time is the sunflower, and I welcome every shade, even the deep golden ones. • Red geraniums: I don’t usually love red in the garden, but red geraniums are nostalgic for me. From May through July, I decorate the porch in Americana style, and red geraniums are always part of that tradition.
I discovered this when I planted a Zinnia bed that had a mix of colors. The Red and Orange felt jarring. I have noticed that when I look at mixed seeds, if it has red, I put it back.
Do I want to attract wildlife? Absolutely. My garden is first and foremost pollinator-friendly. I focus on plants that draw in all kinds of pollinators—especially bumblebees and hummingbirds.
Do I want to grow food? At our Sawyer Street house, we tended five garden plots filled with peppers and tomatoes and a long list of other foods. We dried and preserved enough to last all year. This year, we’re scaling back as we rethink how we want to use our new garden space.
So what does all of that translate to?
I love the romantic, whimsical charm of a cottage garden—the idea of sitting at a little table with a glass of tea, surrounded by layers of perennials and annuals full of texture. At the same time, I’m drawn to the clean edging and defined borders of a classic, timeless formal garden. And yet, I also adore the meadow like feel of gardens filled with native plants that thrive naturally in our region.
My garden style ends up being a blend of all three: an eclectic, pollinator friendly garden with a consistent color palette, clear transitions, and unifying plants that tie everything together.
What is your garden style?