Fairy Tale Style: Fairy Tale Garden Inspiration, By Amanda Bergloff

 

We here at Enchanted Conversation love all things fairy tale, which also includes incorporating a little fairy tale style into everyday life- and with summer just around the corner, we’ve turned our thoughts to refreshing your garden with some fairy tale inspired ideas.

What is a "Fairy Tale Garden?"

To us, it's a space you create that gives you a magical feeling. A fairy tale styled garden is an opportunity to create a retreat, set apart from the everyday world. A place to reflect and refresh your spirit, inspire you, and a place to go to enjoy the tranquility of nature. 

You don't have to have a large area to create a magical setting. A small space works too, as a Fairy Tale Garden is achievable by adding simple touches that don't have to break the bank.

We’ve gathered some thoughts and pictures below to inspire you to add a little fairy magic to your yard and life! And please share any of your own decor ideas and thoughts in the COMMENTS section below. We’d love to hear from you!

FLOWERS & HERBS

Planting flowers and herbs are a colorful and simple way to give any garden a magical feeling either by planting them in the ground, along a meandering path or using interesting, vintage containers and pots.

Not only do herbs add beauty to a Fairy Tale Garden, but they can be used in many ways - from utilizing them in cooking, making teas, adding dried elements to soap and candles, and more. Herbs also have symbolic and special meanings, such as:  Basil - Love / Mint - Virtue / Sage - Wisdom / Lavender - Devotion / Chamomile - Comfort / Rosemary - Remembrance / Thyme - Courage / Oregano - Joy

Check out some design ideas for adding magical herbs to your garden below:

OUTDOOR READING & SEATING

Reading outdoors is one of our favorite things to do during spring and summer...and having a spot to read with some fairy tale style is an enchanting way to spend an afternoon. Benches and little reading nooks tucked away in your garden space is the perfect way to add some fairy tale style. It can be as simple as a chaise lounge with some pillows, a vintage chair surrounded by flowers, a lovely garden bench under a tree, or a small converted shed.

WATER FEATURES

The sound of water in a garden is a magical thing, so water fountains are a wonderful addition to any Fairy Tale Garden.

DECORATE THE FENCE

The fence that surrounds your yard is a blank canvas, ready to add fairy tale flair to it. Vintage windows and mirrors create the illusion of being able to walk through a fairy portal, while colorful bird houses, pots of flowers, or painting a mural or favorite quote immediately elevates any garden space.

SCULPTURE & UPCYCLED ITEMS

Flea markets, thrift stores, garden centers, and garage sales are always budget friendly ways to find sculpture and other items to upcycle into new fairy tale treasures for the garden. Many everyday objects can be transformed into whimsical planters. Fairy sculptures peeking out from the foliage, vintage bird baths, and porcelain teapots add fairy tale magic to any backyard, too.

LIGHTING

And don't forget one of the most magical touches for any Fairy Tale Garden...the lighting! Beautiful lighting sets the mood and transports you to that happily-ever-after place at the end of the day through the use of lanterns, string lights, and candles.

HAPPY GARDENING TO ALL!

EC's contributing editor, Amanda Bergloff, writes modern fairy tales, folktales, and speculative fiction. Her work has appeared in various anthologies, including Frozen Fairy Tales, After the Happily Ever After, and Uncommon Pet Tales.

Twitter @AmandaBergloff

Instagram: amandabergloff 

Also, join her every Tuesday on Twitter for #FairyTaleTuesday to share what you love about fairy tales, folktales, and myths.

Also, if you like sharing your #vss fairy tales on Twitter, follow @fairytaleflash

"Fairy Tale Style" Cover Design: Amanda Bergloff 

Picture Resources:

- https://www.houzz.com/magazine/14-gardens-straight-out-of-fairy-tales-stsetivw-vs~42751730

- https://www.kaodim.com/blog/create-fairy-tale-garden-dreams/ 

- https://www.santabarbaradesignhouseandgardens.com/10-herbs-garden-ideas-awesome-and-also-stunning/

- https://www.plantedwell.com/garden-water-features/ 

- https://www.woohome.com/diy-2/top-23-surprising-diy-ideas-to-decorate-your-garden-fence

- https://www.upcyclethat.com/upcycled-garden-ideas/

- https://www.architectureartdesigns.com/14-fascinating-diy-ideas-for-decorating-garden-fence/

- https://onekindesign.com/2019/07/19/summer-garden-party-ideas/

- https://www.pinterest.com/karagatsby/twinkle-fairytale-lighting/ 

- https://onekindesign.com/2018/04/27/outdoor-garden-fountains/

- https://www.decorhomeideas.com/garden-fence-decoration-ideas/

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