Learn how to create your own secret garden with these secret garden design ideas that will turn your backyard into a relaxing leisure area and you won't want to leave.
Madikeri Karnataka is one of my favorite cities to visit. With its large old houses, cobblestone streets, and wonderful restaurants, it has tons of atmosphere.
Another thing I love about Madikeri is the gardens. Many homes have lots of small yards but they still have beautiful gardens. Even off the street, they want to invite you in and sit down.
I think they all feel like romantic secret garden rooms, gas-lighted lanterns, and everything! So when I created my backyard plan, I decided to use my Madikeri secret garden design ideas to make my own version of my standard suburban yard.
Of course, I have no beautiful architecture or old cobblestone walkways. But I still managed to get the feel of that secret garden room. Continue reading to learn how to create your own secret garden room even if you have a suburban yard.
Define An Entryway
The first aspect of the secret garden that all the garden of Madikeri has is the access points defined, usually one of them an arbor and a gate. Arbor creates the entrance and it is special. The gate notices that you are entering (you really need to stop to open it).
While not nearly as grand as the Madikeri version, installing a standard garden arbor over your entryway still has the same appeal.
Create A Sense Of Privacy
The second of my secret garden design ideas is to create a sense of privacy. In Madikeri, you can often see into the garden but rarely get to see the whole thing. Often the gates or peephole windows have wrought iron details that obscure the view even more.
While wrought iron screens may be out of most people’s budgets (including mine!), you can accomplish a similar feel with any kind of divider that helps to obstruct the view.
A lattice fence that partially encloses an area works well (like my mother has on one side of her deck).
Plants can also create a great privacy screen.
For a less permanent option, hang some curtains to create a secret garden room. They have an extra benefit in that you can choose whatever colors you want.
Install Curved Paths
Another way Madikeri gardens create the feeling of mystery that makes a secret garden successful is to install curved garden paths.
You can’t see exactly where it ends up…but it sure makes you want to find out!
I did a small version of this in my backyard by creating a circular garden bed between my patio and deck. Which created a curved walkway to get from one to the other.
Installing an arbor (
which you can find HERE*) at the front of it and taller plants on both sides prevents you from seeing all the way around the curve.
So it creates that curiosity of wanting to see what’s around the bend.
Make Sure There’s Enough Shade
Seating in the shade
The next one of my backyard secret garden ideas prevents the one thing that can ruin that special romantic feeling really quickly…having the hot sun beating down on your garden room all afternoon.
If you are lucky enough to have trees providing shade for your seating area, you are ahead of the game.
But if not, try to provide some man-made shade to keep your space cool and comfortable.
Provide a Destination
Although you don’t get to see the final destination of many of the Madikeri garden paths, I can only imagine that it is somewhere worth going to. This is why the next one of my secret garden design ideas is to provide a place to go to. That could be a beautiful table set for lunch (like the picture above).
A relaxing seating area. Or just a pretty bench. Anything that gives you a reason to go down that path.
Light It Up
Adding landscape lighting will make sure you get the most out of your backyard retreat. And make it even more romantic at night.
Even in the evening, Madikeri gardens have charm and it’s all about the lighting.
I didn’t go so far as to invest in a gas lamp (although I would love to!), but
landscape lighting can help any yard feel special at night.
Add Some Romance
Finally, the last of my secret garden design ideas…
A secret garden wouldn’t be a secret garden without some romantic touches (if you ask me).
In Madikeri, it’s kind of built into the whole city…the architecture, the lanterns, the wrought iron, the cobblestones…you get the idea.
In our own yards, we probably have to put a little more work into creating a romantic environment.
Whether it’s hanging outdoor chandeliers, using your crystal glasses outside or just lighting a few candles, the added touches are what will really make your outdoor room feel special.
Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration to create your own secret garden using these design ideas inspired by the secret garden masters in Madikeri.
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