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Doesn’t clutter seem to get in the way when you’re trying to keep the garden tidy? We know the hassle, but these minimalist garden ideas have been a game-changer!
Our team has scoured the internet to find solutions that work, and we’ve rounded up the best ones in this guide. They might come in handy for you, too, especially if you’re giving your garden a spruce up and keep it simple this time. Here’s the list:
Garden Storage Is Your Best Friend
If you don’t own a storage building, like a shed, yet, now is a great time to invest in one. It’s the perfect place to stash all your outdoor gear and keep the patio or lawn clutter-free. This includes those unsightly wheelie bins; tuck them away in a bin storage shed.
Sheds come in sorts of sizes, but an 8×6 garden shed is a good middle-ground—not too small, not too big. If you already have one but it’s bursting at the seams, work with what you have by decluttering the space. That way, you won’t have to face the dread of opening the door and realising you can barely move inside.
Remember, your garden might look tidy, but this won’t save you the headache if you open your shed and find it all piled up. Get into the habit of not just chucking in your things when storing them. Check out this guide on how to organise a shed for more tips.
Accomplish More with Less
Now, you have a blank canvas to focus on maximising functionality with the least upkeep required. More ideas and tips to keep you on the minimalist track are below:
Shape the edges of your garden
Clean lines = a more streamlined layout. Achieve this by defining the borders to keep everything neat and tidy, which is key to a minimalist style. Hardscape edging materials like stone, gravel, or bricks are brilliant for this.
Get creative with the shapes and materials you use. You could mix stone and gravel, or gravel and wood, or just stick to one material to define your patio or flower beds. For subtle contrast, try making one section of edging higher than the rest or throw smooth and rough stones.
Replace lawn with hard landscape elements
Lawns can be a real hassle to look after, which kind of goes against the whole minimalist vibe. A good option is to swap them out for hard landscaping like pavers, concrete, or rock flooring.
These alternatives work because they don’t need much upkeep but still keep your garden looking clean and modern. You can take it on yourself if you’re up for it, or hire a professional landscaper to get the job done right and fast.
If you’re set on keeping some greenery, consider easy-care alternatives like Ruschia ‘Nana’ or high-quality artificial turf. These options require far less upkeep than a traditional lawn but still give you that fresh, green look without the maintenance. Incorporate them alongside pavers or gravel to add texture and softness, creating a nice balance.
Get basic outdoor furniture pieces
We recommend going for simple, functional pieces and focusing on the right arrangement.
Look for sturdy, contemporary materials like metal and synthetic rattan, with simple designs and uniform colours. A metal dining set is a fitting example of a basic, high-function piece. If you have more room, you could use a rattan corner sofa for lounging in a neatly arranged area. Match the garden furniture with cushions to complement the palette.
When positioning, avoid clustering all the furniture in one corner. Spread it out evenly, ensuring it doesn’t crowd any one area.
Keep the palette to a minimum
Go for a uniform colour scheme to keep things visually simple and cohesive. The best tones for a minimalist garden are muted, earthy, and neutral. Want to use all three? No problem, just make sure your palette doesn’t exceed three colours, even when it comes to textures.
The best shades for neutral are greys, whites, and natural wood. Think soft grey, dusty blue, and moss green for muted. And for earthy colours, terracotta, olive green, and warm taupe work. Concrete, stone, or wood will look great for paths, furniture, and other hardscapes.
Even the colours of your plants can affect the overall palette. Limit varieties and choose a small selection, ideally with similar shapes or colours.
Minimal Garden Plant Ideas
A minimalist garden is still a garden, so you’ll definitely want some greenery in there. There are certain plants, or what we like to call “living sculptures,” that make great candidates for the less-is-more approach. Bonus: they’re low-maintenance and easy to care for!
Aloe tree
What we love about aloe trees is they’re simple yet striking. All thanks to their succulent leaves and symmetric silhouette, which add visual interest and create a modern vibe. Not to mention that they’re drought-tolerant and thrive in dry, sunny spots without needing regular watering.
Plant one, two, or more (depending on your available space) near the hardscape areas. Accentuate each tree with outdoor lighting, such as up-lighting, at night to make them stand out.
Ornamental grasses
There’s something calming about ornamental grasses; maybe it’s the way they sway in the wind. They bring movement and texture that look pleasing in a minimal garden setting while being low maintenance. Fountain grass and blue fescue, for instance, work well as soft borders and are easy to look after.
Stick to one or two varieties to keep things simple. Plant them along pathways, patios, or hardscape edges. This technique is great for creating a natural transition between different areas. If you prefer a more structured look, go for symmetry by arranging them in neat rows or clusters. Just be sure to space them out properly so they don’t end up looking overcrowded.
Lavender
We couldn’t leave out lavender, especially with its mounding, billowy form that softens the edges of pathways. It’s no wonder this fragrant flower is such a favourite and a common feature in minimalist gardens.
Lavender thrives on minimal watering and attracts pollinators. So, you’re not only adding lovely, bushy flowers with a great scent but also helping keep unwanted guests like slugs and flies away.
Tips: Muted purple or white varieties complement a minimal colour scheme. Pair them with gravel, stone, or concrete to break up the hard surfaces and keep the space balanced.
Agave
Agave has that bold, architectural look that many minimalist garden fans love. Its thick, fleshy leaves, arranged in a rosette shape, give off a sculptural effect that fits nicely in a minimalist garden without being too much.
In terms of maintenance, agave is low-care. It thrives in dry, sunny spots and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Agave is also drought-resistant, so it’s great if you’re after a hardy plant that doesn’t demand constant care.
Boxwood
Boxwood is a classic when it comes to minimalist gardens. With its neat, dense foliage and sharp, geometric shape, it works wonders for adding structure without being over the top. You can shape it into tidy hedges or leave it as standalone features—either way, it looks great.
It’s low-maintenance, too, so you won’t need to spend ages pruning. Perfect for creating those clean lines and defined spaces we all love in a minimalist garden.
Creeping thyme
Creeping thyme is a fantastic choice for ground cover. It’s low-growing, aromatic, and gives a lovely soft feel underfoot. It’s perfect for planting between paving stones or along borders to soften those edges and fill in the gaps.
Like the other plants on this list, creeping thyme is low-maintenance and copes well with dry conditions. Just make sure it gets plenty of sunlight, and it’ll thrive pretty much anywhere in your garden.
Round-up
The best way to keep your garden minimal is to embrace the “less is more” mindset. A quality garden shed in the correct size will be a real asset in keeping your outdoor space clutter-free. It gives you a dedicated spot to store your gardening tools and other bits without them lying around. Trust us, this is a solid first step towards creating a neat, minimal garden.
From there, you can start adding to your garden without overloading it with unnecessary items or overly fancy features. We’re sure the ideas above will help you get there. But don’t hold back—get creative and design a minimalist garden that works for you, your lifestyle, and your family.
Once everything is set, a summer house addition sounds like the perfect plan to take in your refreshed garden and relax. We have a wide range of options that fit the minimalist theme, such as the BillyOh Penton Corner Summerhouse with Side Store
