Ready to infuse your outdoor space with charm and coastal vibes?
It all starts with inspiration! No matter the size of your garden or patio, I’m here to help you capture that breezy, timeless Nantucket feel, one simple idea at a time.
Cottage Charm
When I picture Nantucket, I instantly see those cottage-style homes—soft clapboard siding, white trim, and window boxes overflowing with color. There’s something undeniably magical about their charm.
Cottage living is all about embracing that timeless beauty and making each detail count.
Step onto a classic cottage porch, and you’ll notice the way sunlight dapples across painted rockers, mingling with the scent of hydrangeas and roses. Think wide porches perfect for coffee mornings, weathered wood fences draped in climbing blooms, and gentle pathways leading you home. One of my favorite tips? Use natural, local materials whenever you can, like pebbled walkways, stone borders, or unfinished cedar.
I once guided Linda and James, a wonderful pair of clients, as they transformed their simple porch into a quaint entryway by training climbing roses along the rails and adding a series of cheerful, mismatched pots. They told me it made the whole house feel like it belonged in a storybook.
It’s these little touches—brimming with character and heart—that truly turn a house into a Nantucket haven.
Depth and Drama: The Art of Layering Spaces
Adding depth is the secret to a truly captivating garden. Layering different elements invites the eye to explore and gives your outdoor space a sense of movement and discovery.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tried-and-true ways to add dimension:
- Frame your space with classic picket fences or low stone walls.
- Plant shrubs, perennials, and taller grasses in staggered rows for a lush, cascading look.
- Use arbors or decorative trellises to provide a gentle transition from one area to another.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—your garden should feel personal and ever-evolving.
Let each new layer spark curiosity every time you step outside.
Arched Entry Magic!
An arched trellis invites you (and your guests!) to slow down and savor every step into the garden. Whether you train fragrant roses or whimsical clematis overhead, this entryway adds instant enchantment.
Let your garden welcome you.
Try framing your path with a trellis and watch how it transforms even the simplest walkway into a grand arrival.
Brick Pathways: Invite Timeless Charm Into Your Garden!
A brick pathway winding through lush greenery isn’t just a way to get from one place to another—it’s an invitation into the soul of your garden. Every step along those rustic bricks adds history and character, drawing you deeper into your outdoor landscape.
There’s something magical about following a path that seems to promise a secret around every bend.
When I worked with a client who was unsure about adding a path, we explored a simple herringbone pattern using reclaimed bricks. By prepping the soil, laying a bed of sand, and allowing for slight curves, we created a walkway that looked as though it had always belonged. The transformation was incredible—and maintenance is as simple as sweeping away fallen petals. Why not tuck one in a hidden corner to create a journey of your own?
A brick path doesn’t just connect spaces—it connects memories. Let your garden guide you, one charming step at a time.
Why Not Try Window Boxes?
Window boxes are the easiest way to sprinkle instant joy onto your home’s exterior. Sometimes the smallest details create the most welcoming impression!
Before you plant, here are a few tips to make your window boxes shine:
- Choose plants that thrive in your light conditions—think trailing ivy, cheerful pansies, or bold geraniums.
- Layer your plantings for depth and interest—mix textures and colors to reflect your personal style.
- Keep them looking their best with regular watering and deadheading.
Window boxes invite a pop of nature and a little whimsy wherever they perch—no climbing ladder required.
Let Your Garden Reach New Heights With Climbing Roses
There’s a romance about climbing roses that simply can’t be matched. I once worked with a client whose front porch felt plain, despite her beautiful plantings. By training pale pink climbers along her porch trellis, we turned a blank canvas into a living, fragrant tapestry. The transformation was stunning!
A single climbing rose can soften sharp lines and blur the boundaries between house and garden.
Prune regularly to encourage lush, healthy growth, and don’t hesitate to let those canes wander—they love to surprise you by blooming in unexpected places.
Why settle for ordinary, when your walls and fences can become canvases for beauty and scent? Let climbing roses bring height, texture, and that irresistible cottage charm to your space.
Why Traditional Fencing Feels So Inviting
There’s a certain romance to traditional fencing—especially those timeless white picket or classic wood styles. They have an uncanny ability to frame your property with gentle boundaries, instantly lifting curb appeal while inviting in coastal charm. When you see that crisp fence against a sea of blooms, it’s hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia, isn’t it?
But traditional fencing is about more than just looks. Let me share a few tips that help these structures truly stand the test of time:
- Choose quality materials—painted cedar or naturally weather-resistant woods work beautifully.
- Keep up with regular maintenance, like seasonal repainting, to preserve that fresh, inviting look.
- Consider the fence’s scale in relation to your home and garden for a harmonious effect.
I once worked with a client who wanted their cottage to feel like a welcoming retreat. Adding a delicate white picket fence did more than define the space—it instantly created a sense of sanctuary and warmth.
It’s amazing how a simple fence can transform the whole energy of a garden.
Go Green—Literally
Hedges and billowing greenery offer more than privacy; they create layers of living architecture. Try mixing different heights and textures for the most vibrant look.
Greenery is nature’s best backdrop.
How could you not feel at ease behind soft, leafy walls?
How Natural Stone Edging Elevates Any Garden Space—Big or Small
Natural stone edging brings a certain elegance you can feel beneath your fingertips. The mix of rough and smooth, cool greys and sun-warmed browns, helps you shape your borders with both purpose and artistry. I always suggest picking stones with hues that echo your home’s exterior or your favorite garden blooms for instant harmony.
Once, I helped a client who dreamed of a “storybook” cottage garden. Adding weathered stone edges transformed her beds, guiding the eye and inviting closer inspection with every step. Every garden tells a story, and the right edging is like the perfect punctuation mark.
“Add a natural border, and suddenly the ordinary becomes unforgettable.”
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Bring Your Borders Alive with Vibrant Flower Beds
There’s nothing quite like walking out into the garden and catching your breath at the sight of vibrant flower beds spilling over with color and energy. I always suggest hydrangeas and lilies for that quintessentially dramatic effect—they’re a classic pair with plenty of personality.
When I worked with a client hoping to create a truly unforgettable entrance, we layered lilies in the foreground and let fluffy hydrangeas anchor the back. If you want to build your own dazzling bed, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Choose a color palette that echoes your home’s exterior or favorite outdoor pillows
- Mix bloom times for continuous color from spring through late summer
- Edge with tidy, low-growing herbs for a fragrant border
Nature’s artistry is always in bloom if you let it.
Don’t be afraid to try bold combinations or sprinkle in a “surprise” plant that makes you smile every time you pass. The secret ingredient? Joy.
Secret Structures Await
Have you ever tucked a unique garden structure into a quiet corner and watched as it instantly transforms the space? It’s amazing how just one pergola, arbor, or whimsical bench gives your garden its own story.
Your garden deserves a little mystery.
Make the Most of Your Garden: Add Cozy Outdoor Seating Today
Nothing makes a garden feel more like home than a nook where you can pause, settle in, and soak up the view. I often encourage my clients to think of cozy outdoor seating as an extension of their living room—plush pillows, textured throws, and maybe even a small side table for morning coffee or evening lemonade.
Arrangement matters just as much as materials. Try tucking a bench beneath a shady tree, or scatter low lounge chairs across a sun-dappled patio. Layering textures—think slatted wood, handwoven cushions, a bright rug—creates an invitation you can’t resist.
Comfort is the goal.
When Sarah, a busy mother of three, asked me to revamp her outdoor space, we focused on seating that could work double duty: a reading retreat by afternoon, and a relaxing home office when the weather was just right. We chose weatherproof fabrics and incorporated ottomans that store extra throws. Maybe you’ll even find your garden bench becomes your favorite “thinking spot.”
Ask yourself: where do you love to linger? Arrange seating to face your prettiest flower bed or frame a favorite tree. Let your garden seating become a stage for the little joys of daily life—whether you’re sharing stories, watching the bees, or just listening to the breeze.
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Inviting the Seaside Home: How to Play With Coastal Colors
Soft, breezy coastal colors are the quickest way to summon the relaxed spirit of the shore, right in your backyard. When you weave together airy blues and crisp whites with natural wood or stone, you’re echoing the rhythm of waves against the sand.
Ever notice how a hint of sea-glass green or driftwood gray can make your whole space feel lighter? The magic is in how you mix—and how you let natural light do the rest. Try these gentle pairings to create a truly ocean-inspired garden vibe:
- Soft sky blue + creamy white: Think of beach umbrellas on a sunny day—refreshing and timeless.
- Pale turquoise with sandy beige: Like the sea kissing the shore, this combo grounds and uplifts.
- Muted navy against weathered wood: Add depth and a hint of nautical tradition for quiet drama.
When I worked with a client recently to design a seating nook, we layered cushions in varying blue shades and added white planters to keep things cohesive. We even checked the fabric’s undertones in daylight to avoid a “too cold” feeling.
Let the ocean guide you—never be afraid to experiment with what makes you feel at ease.
Water. Calm. Wonder!
A simple water feature, even the smallest fountain, can transform your entire garden atmosphere. The gentle trickling sounds invite relaxation, serving as a natural soundtrack to your day. If you’re seeking a real sense of peace and presence, this is your moment to dive in. Don’t worry about perfection—nature’s beauty is all about organic movement.
The calm of moving water always feels like a gentle hug from the garden itself.
Do Open Lawns Still Matter?
There’s something quietly powerful about a well-maintained open lawn—it offers both serenity and flexibility. These green spaces break up the busy energy of lush borders and beds, giving your eyes a place to rest and your family a place to gather.
Who doesn’t love the feeling of bare feet on cool morning grass?
Once, I worked with a young couple who wanted a lawn to serve as both a picnic spot and a play area for their kids and dogs. We kept the edges soft and organic to blend with the surrounding landscape, letting the openness breathe beside their perennial beds.
Sometimes, the simplest spaces bring the deepest joy.
16. Incorporate Mixed Plantings
Embracing mixed plantings is truly how you let your garden sing. Pairing contrasting textures and shapes—from feathery grasses to bold-leafed perennials—not only creates structure, but also gives every corner its own unique personality. Why settle for uniformity when you can create a tapestry of color and form?
Here are a few simple ways to start mixing things up in your beds and borders:
- Layer by height: Place taller shrubs at the back, mid-sized perennials in the center, and ground covers up front for a lush, tiered effect.
- Blend foliage: Combine plants with varied leaf shapes and colors—think soft silvery lamb’s ear beside glossy hostas—for instant visual contrast.
- Mix seasonal stars: Weave together early-spring bulbs, summer annuals, and autumn grasses to enjoy a patchwork of interest, all year round.
I once worked with a wonderful client who felt their small front yard lacked “energy.” Together, we mingled spiky purple salvia with airy ornamental grasses and tucked in low-growing sedums. The transformation was remarkable—not just more beautiful, but brimming with life in every season!
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Your garden is your canvas—let each plant choice help you tell your story.
