The Terrace Botanical Gardens Melbourne

10 Inspiring Garden Ideas

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You know what you want: a garden that's so beautiful that you almost want to live in it 24 hours a day. In order to make that happen, you need to figure out what type of garden design makes your heart soar. Below are some ideas that can help you get started.

Garden Arbor

If a garden could talk, it would literally beg for an arbor. An arbor can change a simple, boring garden space into a magical wonderland just waiting for its close-up.

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Water Feature

It's almost a no-brainer when it comes to adding a water feature to your garden area. They add instant beauty, and a Zen-like peaceful vibe that can put you into a relaxing trance for the better part of a lazy day.

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Lavender Path

You'll never know how much you were missing a lavender path in your garden until you get one. The gorgeous pale purple petals are like rows of lilac fairies, welcoming you home.

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Lush, Overgrown, Exotic Garden

There's something about the sight of a lush, overgrown garden filled with heady scents, birds singing, a beautiful jumble of plants and lazy bumblebees lolling that fills you with an intoxicating joy. Don't be afraid to mix plants at will.

CCO/James DeMers

Bike Garden Planters

Instead of tossing out that old bike, repurpose it as a planter. The bike will develop a gorgeous, rusty patina as time goes by, and you can place flowers in a basket or on the seat.

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Old Wooden Planters Filled with Flowers

There's something incredibly country and cozy about the rustic chic look of wooden planters loaded with plants. Load them with your favorite blooms, or fill them up with herbs and veggies.

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Load up the Walls and Other Structures with Vines

There's something about the tangle of vines climbing over a wall or winding its way up a trellis that makes a garden seem that much more special. Start some new vines or cultivate existing ones..

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Outdoor Shed

Why would you not get an outdoor shed? These aren't those ramshackle versions from your granddad's day. Today's outdoor sheds have fancy windows, utilities and are good enough to spend an afternoon writing in.

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Conservatory

Kind of a step up from a cozy garden shed is a stunning conservatory. All-season versions allow you to enjoy the glass-filled room even when the temperatures dip.

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Fire Pit Area

Take your cozy fireplace party outside with an outdoor fire pit. There are so many designs available, whether you favor a modern aesthetic or feel more at home with cozy country designs.