How do I make a Christmas Garden?

Welcome to the magical world of Christmas in your very own garden! Transform your outdoor space into a winter wonderland that will captivate the hearts of all who behold it. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to make a Christmas garden that combines the festive spirit with the beauty of nature. Whilst some might take longer planning (like planting suitable plants for next year!) there are a few quick fixes that will work wonders….

Festive Foliage

Start by infusing your garden with the holiday spirit through festive foliage. Consider adorning your trees and shrubs with strings of twinkling lights, creating a stunning display that glows against the winter night. If you have some good evergreens in the garden try adding large red bows.

Enchanting Lighting

Ok so this may be the obvious one, but it is surprisingly effective! Festoon lighting is good- hanging strings of lights across the garden or over seating areas. Hang fairy lights in the trees, drape them along fences, and wind them through shrubbery to create a mesmerising display. For the full Christmas experience you can use LED light sculptures in the shape of snowflakes, stars, or reindeer (I had a great set of light up cubes done out at Christmas presents that never ceased to make me smile!). These ones from Longacres are very similar.

Cozy Seating Areas

In the current weather this seems somewhat mad, but if it is cold and dry then creating somewhere to sit outside with a hot drink is a joy- even better if you have a covered pergola or summerhouse – dress with outdoor lights and blankets and see how inviting it looks. All-weather furniture and cushions are now easy to get, and consider a fire pit or outdoor heaters to keep everyone warm on chilly nights while sipping hot cocoa and sharing stories.

Image Credit: Moda

Seasonal Colour and Scents

This may be a slightly longer term one, but really well worth planning now for next winter. Engage all the senses by incorporating seasonal scents into your Christmas garden. Plant fragrant winter flowers like jasmine and witch hazel, and add winter stems with cornus sibirica,(comes in greens, reds and oranges). Plant the earliest of early bulbs and corms like winter aconite (my personal favourite) and snowdrops. Plant grasses and clipped shapes for winter structure in the frosts and “Honesty” (Lunaria annua) for the gorgeous round seed heads. This type of adjustment may be less filled with instant gratification but you can use the other ideas to keep things looking gorgeous while you plan the longer term!

With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of holiday spirit, you can transform your garden into a Christmas wonderland that delights all who visit. Whether you prefer a classic, elegant display or a whimsical and playful theme, let your imagination run wild as you create a garden that captures the magic of the season. Wishing you a joyful and festive Christmas in your enchanting outdoor oasis!

CGLA are an award winning team of Garden Designers, Landscape Architects, Landscapers and Garden Maintenance Operatives working in Buckinghamshire, London and the South East, as well as on prestigious design projects across the UK and abroad. We are currently working in Oman, Jersey and France, and welcome enquires for design, landscaping or garden maintenance. Contact us here