French country gardens are vibrant fragrant gardens that are beautiful additions to any landscape. From garden signs to garden swings, here are five décor elements that can add a special touch to this specialty garden:
French Country Garden Décor Element 1) Entry Gate
A French country garden is an inviting place to enjoy gorgeous flowers and fragrant herbs, but the casual shape and style can make it confusing on where the entry point to your garden is. An entry gate is a functional décor element that can welcome you and your guests into your botanical oasis.
Iron gates work to add just a subtle element of elegance to the country-inspired garden, while carved wooden gates are an alternative choice if you wish to keep the feel of the garden more rustic.
French Country Garden Décor Element 2) Garden Signs
French country gardens are full of a variety of flowers, and herbs. Garden signs are a great way to identify each plant and provide a little extra personality to your garden bed.
Garden signs that look like wine labels bring a little taste of the French vineyard to your garden. There are many websites available where you can create your own wine bottle labels, or for a DIY project, you can dress up basic labels found at your local office supply store. Either way, make sure to laminate the wine bottle labels so they become waterproof!
For labeling herbs in your French country garden, a crafty suggestion is to use empty spice bottles attached to stakes, and placed next to the corresponding herb.
French Country Garden Décor Element 3) Trellis
Depending on the variety of plants you include in your French Country garden, visually it may be a very short garden bed. To add height to the garden, you may want to install a trellis. A trellis is a beautiful architectural piece that works well with the casual country feel of this type of garden.
There are a variety of trellis types that you can find at your local home improvement store. As for the types of plants to incorporate into the structure: ivy, morning glories, and even a variety of grapes can be grown to climb the trellis. Grape vines, especially, provide that nostalgic feel of a French country vineyard garden.
French Country Garden Décor Element 4) Garden Borders
French country gardens are casual in design, with some plants rooted in the planters and short herbs that need to be easily reached, so keep accessibility in mind when choosing a garden border.
For those gardens that are mainly made up of herbs that are cut frequently or gardens in climates where fragile plants must be moved indoors, a low border is the best choice. A simple border of unpolished rocks adds a rustic touch to the garden, while a low iron garden trimmer would tie in the elegance of the entry gate.
For French country gardens that house plants that don’t need to be fully accessible on a daily basis, lavender plants can be planted around the perimeter. As they grow, the lavender will fill in to create a natural hedge border, adding color and fragrance surrounding your space.
French Country Garden Décor Element 5) Furniture
What better way to enjoy the beauty of your French country garden than by sitting at a small café table? Many home décor stores sell a variety of outdoor café sets. A simple iron design would fit in beautifully with the other decor elements such as the entry gate.
Garden swings are another wonderful way to relax and enjoy your garden. Situate the swing under the trellis for a quiet French country oasis.
Click here for the basics on planting a French Country garden.
For other garden décor ideas please visit: Planting a Wildflower Garden: 5 Garden Decor Elements.
