We just can’t get enough of these creative, unique designs that people have decided to exhibit in their outdoor areas. As someone who deals with garden design exclusively, Lee has come across many unusual ideas. He shared the one that stood out to him the most.
“Probably the funniest garden design I've seen was where the owner had used an evergreen privet hedge to trim into the shape of a giant wavy caterpillar that acted as a boundary to the front garden. They had even put massive google eyes on the front of it, and although questionable in terms of taste, it really did make me laugh. The best decorative objects in any garden design, though, are those that mirror the surrounding materials and colors within the garden. This always helps connect a sculpture or object to the garden cohesively.”
Lee’s Garden Ninja is based in the North West of England where he provides spectacular garden design services. He is a garden blogger, vlogger, TV presenter, and famous YouTuber who consistently shares valuable tips on garden design. Over his career, Lee has encountered various trends and styles. We were wondering what his opinion is about unique and unconventional garden decor choices, and how can they contribute to a person's self-expression and add character to their outdoor space.
“I'm a great believer in allowing people to show their passions and personalities through their gardens. So even if the taste level isn’t everyone's cup of tea, at least it's showcasing the person's personality. Ultimately this means they will engage with their garden more than someone who keeps it low-key or just follows the latest boring trends!” shared Lee.
Many people find inspiration from Pinterest-worthy gardens and strive to create a visually pleasing outdoor space. However, there is also a charm in embracing a more eccentric or unconventional style. Lee shared tips on how individuals can strike a balance between creating a unique and interesting garden while still maintaining aesthetic appeal.
“I think the key is to do one or two things well when it comes to applying your style to a garden. The biggest garden design fail is when a gardener or designer tries to force too many quirky ideas into a garden. If, for example, you want a metal elephant sculpture in your exotic-style garden, go big. Don't waste your time with lots of smaller sculptures. Buy one huge one to bring impact!”
When thinking of a garden design, cultural and regional differences can have a great impact on someone's choice of garden decor. We asked Lee to share his opinion on that.
“I love it when a client or gardener decides to represent where they are from in the garden. In Manchester, for example, I've designed 'canal side' garden spaces that mirror the tow paths for clients who live near the canals. It brings a real sense of home and connection with the wider area to the garden. The same goes for world gardens such as Indian spice gardens, it's great to see people reflect on their heritage in such a way by using hot colors and growing hardy exotics outside to bring a taste of where their family heritage comes from.”
And lastly, Lee shared advice that he would give to individuals who want to experiment with unique garden decor ideas. “My best advice would be to make sure that you run the theme, whether that's colors, shapes or patterns throughout the entire garden. In smaller spaces, going big with one or two things is far better than lots of smaller flower beds, sculptures, or plants. The key to any good design is consistency and making an impact. So make sure you create a mood board of all the things you like and then refine it until you have a consistent look and feel for the garden that all components will reflect.”
