Are you looking for abundant beauty in your garden, very much flowing out of your own artistic expression? If so, opting for maximalism through a maximalist garden may be right for you. Unleash your imagination as we explore how to craft a visually striking and immersive garden space that reflects your unique personality and artistic flair.
Read on as we explore how to create a maximalist garden including adding garden buildings, plants, and other elements, which boldly bring your outdoor space to life. Create a lush, vibrant garden overflowing with colour, texture, and life. We show you how!
What is maximalism?
Before we start exploring maximalist gardens, we should define “What is maximalism?”
A working definition
Maximalism (the opposite of minimalism) is an expressive art and design style. It is characterised by extravagance and abundance. Maximalism encompasses a wide variety of colours, patterns, and textures. It embraces complexity, and richness and is visually striking. Applied to a garden, maximalism makes an immediate impact on homeowners and family and friends.
Maximalism in garden design
Maximalism is a design style which when applied to garden design, blends in various garden elements to stunning effect. This includes numerous plant species, maximalist art, decorative garden buildings and other elements, which all contribute to a maximalist outdoor space.
Maximalist gardens create a unique haven and are the ultimate in self-expression. For artistic individuals, they give an opportunity to practice creativity and break free from “usual” garden designs. Stamp your own personal (and maybe whimsical) touch to your outdoor living area.
Creating a maximalist garden
Below, we explore all the essential steps needed to create your own maximalist garden sanctuary. We assess garden space and discuss the range of garden elements available, which will boldly help you to embrace the spirit of maximalism in your garden.
Think of flamboyant words and you are thinking of a flamboyant garden, both positive and negative words could be used to describe a maximalist garden:
- Positive – extravagant, grandiose, lavish, luxurious, opulent, ornate, plush, and sumptuous
- Negative – excessive, gaudy, ostentatious, over-the-top, and over-indulgent
The reason positive and negative words can be used is because beauty is very much “in the eye of the beholder.” A maximalist garden is a gamble in terms of, it being your own inspiration, but may not be universally liked by everybody!
Assessing your garden space and layout
Before you do anything else it is necessary to go through an assessment exercise. We recommend you assess the following:
- Light and shadows
- Shape
- Size
- Topography
All of the above will influence your decisions regarding where and how many plants and garden buildings you can add to your maximalist garden.
Selecting a colour palette and patterns
The only way to go is “bold and diverse” when you implement a maximalist garden design. This is not as restricting as you might think as there are still a wide range of hues available. Adding your own personal touch is essential, think of floral motifs in fabrics or tiles or artistic expressions being added to walls, planters, trellises, etc., Whatever you like really!
Incorporating various textures and materials
Adding textures and materials is essential. It stimulates the sense of touch particularly, but other senses too. Think of items such as coarse rocks, ornate metalwork, smooth paving stones, and soft leaf foliage.
Embracing diverse plant selections
Now think plants! There is an enormous variety of plant species available, both indigenous UK species to exotic plants and trees. Think of how your garden might look at different times of the year and plant species, which will add all year-round interest.
Adding artistic elements and statement pieces
Increase the maximalist appeal of your garden with eye-catching artistic elements, such as sculptures, fountains, or garden ornaments. These statement pieces act as focal points, capturing attention and infusing a sense of uniqueness and grandeur into your garden sanctuary.
Table of garden features for a maximalist design
Introducing a diverse tableau of garden features for a maximalist design. From ornate structures and artistic installations to lush plant collections and vibrant textiles, discover a wealth of elements that epitomise the grandeur and creativity of a maximalist garden.
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Category |
Garden Features |
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Decorative structures and architectural elements |
Arbours and pergolas |
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Decorative trellises |
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Garden arches and gates |
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Garden gazebos and pavilions |
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Floral archways and canopy tunnels |
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Garden obelisks and columns |
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Artistic installations and ornaments |
Outdoor sculptures |
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Colourful planters and pots |
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Decorative wind chimes and mobiles |
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Garden mosaics and tile work |
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Whimsical garden sculptures (e.g., animal figures) |
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Glass garden art and ornaments |
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Stained glass garden art and panels |
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Eclectic garden signage and nameplates |
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Water features and fountains |
Water fountains |
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Decorative water features |
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Elaborate bird baths and water features |
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Garden furniture and seating |
Ornate benches and seating areas |
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Multi-tiered plant stands |
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Rustic and antique garden furniture |
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Colourful textiles and outdoor decor |
Vibrant garden textiles (cushions, throws) |
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Colourful outdoor rugs and carpets |
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Colourful awnings and shade sails |
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Vibrant garden flags and banners |
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Diverse and lush plant collections |
Lush and diverse plant collections |
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Statement trees and topiaries |
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Exotic plant species |
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Exuberant climbing plants and vines |
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Hanging gardens and green walls |
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Garden lighting and illuminations |
Chandeliers or elaborate lighting fixtures |
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Fairy lights and string lights |
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Outdoor mirrors to expand space visually |
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Unique garden clocks and sundials |
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Garden borders and edging |
Decorative garden borders and edging |
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Colourful garden stepping stones |
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Repurposed vintage garden elements |
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Garden for wildlife |
Hanging gardens or suspended planters |
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Elaborate birdhouses and bird feeders |
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Geometric and patterned designs |
Geometric garden patterns and designs |
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Miscellaneous |
Hanging gardens and vertical planters |
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Gazing balls or mirrored garden spheres |
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Garden windmills and wind spinners |
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Floral-inspired patterns in pathways and designs |
Suggested garden products – available at Buy Sheds Direct
We hope you enjoyed reading the list above. Buy Sheds Direct sell many of these products, which predominantly feature in our outdoor living section. Our offerings are summarised below (in alphabetical order):
1) Arbours
These are enchanting garden structures that adds a touch of elegance and charm to any outdoor space. Arbours feature a roof, bench and trellis side and are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the garden. The trellising can be left empty or is a haven for climbing plants. Buy one of our arbours as a focal point, which adds ambience to any garden landscape.
2) Decorative garden borders and edging
Create partitions and attractive garden borders when you buy decorative garden edging from Buy Sheds Direct. Choose our garden sleepers to add rustic charm to your flowerbeds and pathways.
3) Decorative trellises
Trellising is a stylish and practical way to support climbing plants (such as ivy, roses, and fruit such as strawberries, etc.,) Our FSC© certified trellis panels are available in a range of sizes and add a touch of elegance to any garden, whilst also providing useful garden partitioning.
4) Garden arches
Add elegance and charm to your garden with one of our garden arches. A perfect entryway, garden arches add a stunning focal point to a garden. These add height and dimension to a garden area and are also quite a romantic feature.
5) Garden awnings
Enjoy the great outdoors whilst enjoying the shade and protection that awnings bring. As well as protecting from the rain and sun, awnings are a stylish add-on to any garden. Buy an awning today and enjoy your maximalist patio or garden area all year round.
6) Garden furniture
We offer a nice selection of garden furniture to suit various styles and preferences. Choose from wooden garden furniture sets (including tables and chairs) as well as our premium-quality garden benches to create a perfect maximalist garden space.
7) Garden gazebos
Choose one of our garden gazebos as a stunning focal point. With wooden, metal, and plastic styles there are options for various decors and garden designs. Enjoy many hours relaxing, shading from the sun and enjoying time with family and friends at outdoor gatherings and dining.
8) Outdoor seating areas
Add garden benches and chairs to your outdoor spaces. There are a range of styles, materials, and décor options to choose from. Consider your options carefully, outdoor seating is not just about comfort, it is also about design and aesthetics.
9) Pergolas
If you are looking for both architectural elegance and shade, then a pergola is an excellent choice. Choose from our range of pergolas, which are perfect for outdoor living and are available in three or four-column models.
10) Planters
Choose Buy Sheds Direct and select from a wide variety of planters. We stock a range of options including colourful, suspended, and vertical options. Multi-tiered plant stands are popular too and are perfect for showcasing flowers and herbs. Ideal for use as a green wall, planters can also be used to add “lush” to your garden.
Conclusion
Immerse yourself in maximalism and expressiveness when you create your own maximalist garden. This is a chance to embrace colours, textures, garden buildings and art elements in your very own garden design.
Buy Sheds Direct has many of the garden features you are looking for when designing a maximalist garden. These include arbours, garden borders, decorative trellises, garden arches, garden awnings, furniture, gazebos, outdoor seating, pergolas, and planters. Whatever you need we have you covered!
Contacting us
Browse and shop online at Buy Sheds Direct for many of the items you need for a maximalist garden. Contact us today to discuss our product range and how our helpful and informative staff can help. Contact details include:
- Phone - 0333 003 0514
- E-mails - to complete our contact page form
- Text chat - using our live chat app