Anyone who has traveled to Europe likely has fond memories of quaint outdoor cafes, cobblestone streets, and romantic, lush gardens. Europeans embrace warm seasons by taking many activities, especially eating and socializing, outdoors, and the garden designs reflect that. If you want to bring the European aesthetic to your Colorado landscape, here are elements to consider.
The European Patio
Alfresco dining is quintessentially European, and one part of a patio should be designed with meals in mind. The primary elements to include are table and chairs, an awning or other feature to protect the area from the sun, and decorative accents that reflect a European country’s style. If your area is large enough, consider creating several dining and entertainment areas suitable for different occasions. This patio has a casual sitting area, a bar and a more comfortable area that is semi-enclosed.
Tiers and Slopes
Like gardens in parts of our state, many European gardens are built on sloping landscapes. Your garden design can be adapted to enhance and protect slopes while offering European aesthetic to the land. The stone walls and strategically placed plants shown here reduce soil erosion while adding lush color and texture to the landscape.
Water Features
Fountains are found in village squares and residential patios and gardens throughout Europe. Large or small, fountains and other water features provide romantic old world charm to any European style landscape. Along with a traditional fountain and a spa, this landscape’s water features include a pool with flowing water.
Showy Blossoms and Romantic Lush Greenery
Most European countries boast climates which, at least in spring and summer, encourage lush, green gardens and greenery along with showy flowers and shrubs featured strongly in the European garden. Despite the often overly dry conditions in our state, we can achieve this lush look by choosing Colorado native plants and adding colorful container arrangements like those used for this amazing landscape.
If you’d like to make your European garden ideas come to life, contact us at Lifescape today. Our professional design crew can help you from start to finish.