7 Valentine's Day Design Ideas for a Romantic Garden

Ah, romance is in the air.

There are all types of romantic gestures -- from a candlelit dinner to a special weekend getaway. But a truly unique idea is a romantic garden design for that special someone. 

Here are some design ideas to inspire and help you add a touch of enchantment to your outdoor area:

1. Pathways of Love

Create winding pathways with stepping stones or gravel, lined with fragrant flowers like roses or lavender, to lead to a secluded bench or a hidden garden nook. 

Here are some ideas to inspire your garden pathway design:

Material Choices:

• Mulch or Bark: Soft underfoot and natural-looking, perfect for casual, woodland-style paths.

• Pea Gravel: Offers a pleasing crunch underfoot and works well with a variety of garden styles.

• Stepping Stones: Can be spaced to encourage a leisurely stroll and add a whimsical touch.

• Pavers: Formal and durable, available in a range of colors and shapes for a custom look.

• Flagstone: Irregular shapes create a natural, rustic pathway that blends with the landscape.

• Brick: Classic and versatile, can be laid in different patterns like herringbone or basketweave.

Design Considerations:

• Curved Paths: Encourage exploration and can make a small space feel larger.

• Straight Paths: Offer a direct route and can give a sense of order to your garden.

• Width: Ensure the path is wide enough for comfortable passage; major walkways should allow two people to walk side by side, while secondary paths can be narrower.

• Borders: Line your pathway with plants, edging materials, or low fencing to define the space.

• Lighting: Add solar or low-voltage lights for safety and to highlight the path at night.

Plant Selection:

• Low-Growing Groundcovers: Plant alongside the path for a lush look that won't encroach on the walkway.

• Fragrant Herbs: Such as lavender or thyme, can release a pleasant aroma when brushed against.

• Seasonal Interest: Choose plants that offer color and texture throughout the year.

Also, think about the functionality of your pathway. Ensure the pathway materials and design allow for proper water drainage to avoid slippery surfaces.

2. Whimsical Lighting

Nothing is perhaps more enchanting than the soft, warm glow of outdoor lights in the evening as you stroll through the garden with someone special. 

Here are key lighting ideas:

• Fairy Lights: String fairy lights through trees, shrubs, or along fences to create a starry-night effect. 

• Solar-Powered Lights: Place solar-powered lanterns along pathways or in flower beds for a soft, ambient glow. Hang solar festoon lights from trees, walls, or fences. 

• LED Stake Lights: Insert LED stake lights into the ground near special plants or features you want to highlight.

• Hanging Lanterns: Suspend lanterns from branches or pergolas for a floating light effect.

• Waterproof LED Lights: If you have a pond or water feature, consider adding waterproof LED lights for a shimmering water effect.

• Glow-in-the-Dark Pebbles: Scatter glow-in-the-dark pebbles along pathways or around plants for a subtle, enchanting look.

• Light-Up Planters: Use planters that have built-in lighting to showcase your plants and light up your space.

• Fire Pit or Fireplace: A fire feature can serve as a warm, inviting centerpiece and provide a natural source of light.

Also, be mindful of the light intensity; soft, warm lights often create a more whimsical atmosphere than bright, harsh lighting.

3. Flower Borders

Capture a romantic atmosphere year-round. Plant borders with a mix of perennial flowers such as Pink Creeping Phlox, which will provide lovely fragrance and color throughout the seasons.

Below are more flower border design ideas:

Layering by Height:

• Front: Low-growing plants like Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) for texture.
• Middle: Medium-height plants such as Daylilies for vibrant color.
• Back: Taller plants like Butterfly Bushes (e.g., Buddleia BUZZ™ Ivory or Pugster Periwinkle®) to create a backdrop and attract pollinators.

Color Coordination: 

Choose a color scheme, such as cool blues and purples with Russian Sage and Verbena, or warm reds and yellows with Brindabella™ Red Empress Roses and Daylilies.

Texture Contrast:

Mix fine-textured plants like Blue Fescue with broader-leaf plants like the Butterfly Bush for visual interest.

Evergreen Accents:

Add evergreen plants for year-round structure and color, especially in winter when other plants may be dormant.

4. Water Features

Introduce the soothing sound of water in your garden, which can be very calming and romantic. 

Here are some ideas for integrating water into your design:

• Ponds: A natural or formal pond can be a central feature in your garden, supporting aquatic plants and wildlife.

• Waterfalls: Adding a waterfall can provide movement and sound, creating a dynamic focal point.

• Fountains: Fountains come in various sizes and styles, suitable for any garden theme, and can be a standalone feature or part of a pond.

• Streams: A meandering stream can add a naturalistic element to your landscape, inviting exploration.

• Birdbaths: These can be both decorative and functional, attracting birds and adding life to your garden.

• Rain Gardens: Designed to take advantage of rainwater runoff, these gardens can be both beautiful and environmentally beneficial.

5. Private Corners

Place a charming bench or a pair of comfortable garden chairs in a private spot, surrounded by lush plantings or climbing vines. You can also install a fire pit for warmth and ambiance, perfect for cuddling up on cooler nights.

Another idea? Near your seating, incorporate trellises or arches with climbing roses or clematis to create a living floral archway that feels like a portal to a secret garden.

6. Color Palette

Choose a color scheme that evokes romance, such as soft pinks, whites, and purples. Plants like the Sweet Drift® Rose can add a beautiful touch of pink to your garden.

Here's a full list of romantic colors and the plants that showcase them:

• Soft Pinks:

  • Rosa x 'RUIRI0125A' ~ Nitty Gritty™ Pink Rose
  • Viola cornuta 'Admire Pink' ~ Admire® Pink Viola
  • Catharanthus roseus 'Cora XDR Light Pink' ~ Cora® XDR Light Pink Vinca
  • Chrysanthemum, Pink ~ Pink Fall Daisy Mum

• Deep Reds:

  • Roses are classic in deep red shades for a romantic setting.
  • Red tulips also symbolize deep love.

• Pure Whites:

  • White lilies represent purity and are often associated with weddings.
  • Gardenias with their pure white flowers and intoxicating fragrance.

• Lavenders and Purples:

  • Lavender itself is not only romantic in color but also in fragrance.
  • Purple orchids can add an exotic touch to a romantic setting.

These colors can be used in garden beds, bouquets, or as potted plants to create a romantic atmosphere.

7. Scented Garden

Create a sensory oasis by selecting plants with strong night-time fragrances to enjoy on evening strolls. Gardenia, for example, produce a lovely scent that's often stronger after the sun sets.

Here are other plants known for their delightful evening fragrances:

• Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) - Known for its powerful, sweet fragrance that intensifies at night.

• Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) - A night-blooming relative of the morning glory with large white flowers that emit a lemony scent.

• Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) - Opens its flowers in the evening, releasing a sweet aroma.

• Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia) - Large, trumpet-shaped flowers that give off a pleasant fragrance at night.

• Four O'Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) - Their flowers open in the late afternoon to evening and have a sweet, spicy scent.

• Night Phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis) - Also known as midnight candy, it has a strong, sweet smell that is most pronounced at night.

Another benefit to night-blooming plants is that many of them attract night pollinators, such as bats and moths. 

Design a Romantic Outdoor Space

Remember, the key to a romantic garden is creating a space that feels intimate, peaceful, and full of sensory delights.

If you're looking for a detailed plan tailored to your space, our Design Studio can help create a custom plan to enhance your outdoor living area. Plant Joy! 🌿