A garden is not just a place for relaxation, but also a space that can become your personal oasis. At Ecolandscape Studio, we believe that the right design of outdoor spaces plays a key role in creating comfort and a sense of well-being. One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your garden feel more intimate and protected is by creating a sense of enclosure.
When space is enclosed, it gains not only physical but also emotional value. The use of various structures and plants helps create an atmosphere of seclusion, which allows you to relax, take a break from the hustle and bustle, and truly enjoy the moment. In this article, we will share tips on how to make your garden more private and cozy, along with a few helpful recommendations.
Why is Seclusion Important?
The feeling of enclosure in a garden provides not just protection but also structure. While open spaces are beautiful, sometimes they fail to offer the necessary privacy. Creating private corners helps your garden acquire depth: around every turn, a new impression or a small surprise awaits you.
“Gardens, like interiors, need zoning. At Ecolandscape Studio, we see enclosed spaces as a way to not only create a sense of safety and comfort but also as an opportunity to express the personality of the owner,” says Martin Palma, founder and CEO of the studio.
Moreover, it’s important to remember that these secluded corners can add not only aesthetic but also functional value to your space. A simple corner with a chair and a table, surrounded by plants or structures, creates a perfect spot for reading, relaxing, or simply enjoying time outdoors.
Using Structures to Create Seclusion
Stationary structures like gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions are excellent solutions for creating an enclosed space in your garden that works year-round. These elements not only add style to the garden but also become a focal point, transforming the space into a cozy retreat.
Gazebos and pergolas are two different but complementary elements. A pergola is usually an open structure with a roof, offering a sense of lightness and airiness. It acts more as a visual barrier than a physical one, making it perfect for creating a space with a sense of freedom. In contrast, a gazebo is a more enclosed element with side walls, making it ideal for creating private zones. These structures are often equipped with trellises or arches that can support climbing plants like grapes or roses, which not only beautify the space but also create a living barrier, enhancing the sense of seclusion.
“When we design a garden, we always consider how each element fits into the overall picture. A gazebo with climbing plants is not just a decorative solution but also a practical way to create a cozy retreat,” adds Martin Palma, founder and CEO of Ecolandscape Studio.
For those looking for something more open and airy, pergolas and pavilions offer a way to create a light, bright atmosphere. Vertical structures such as trellises and arches not only act as barriers but also provide intimacy, allowing you to enjoy seclusion without feeling confined.
Green Barriers: Using Plants as Natural Dividers
Creating an enclosed space in the garden is possible not only through structures but also through plants. Living hedges, shrubs, or tall flowering plants can create natural barriers, protecting you from the views and sounds of the outside world.
At Ecolandscape Studio, we often use plants like thuja, lavender, and decorative trees, which not only serve an aesthetic function but also provide protection. These plants create not only seclusion but also a special atmosphere.
Plant Selection Tips for Creating Seclusion in the Garden
- Thuja and cypress — perfect for creating dense green hedges.
- Roses and clematis — beautiful climbing plants that can decorate pergolas or arches.
- Lavender — adds not just greenery but also fragrance, enhancing the feeling of seclusion.
This approach allows you to visually define the space while filling it with natural scents and textures.
Seclusion and Mystery
Remember, an enclosed space in the garden should not only create a sense of protection but also a sense of mystery. When the space is closed off on all sides, every step you take in the garden brings a feeling of discovery. Twists, turns, and hidden corners make the garden more interesting and multi-layered.
“We always aim to create elements in the garden that not only protect but also invite exploration. It could be a hidden pathway leading to a shaded corner or a small pavilion that appears almost invisible from a distance,” says Martin Palma.
Creating a sense of seclusion in the garden solves multiple tasks: it enhances functionality and makes the garden more inviting. Combining structures like gazebos and pergolas with living hedges and plants adds depth to the space, creating an atmosphere of seclusion and comfort.
At Ecolandscape Studio, we recommend combining various elements and styles to achieve harmony. Seclusion in the garden depends not only on physical barriers but also on the mood that the space creates. If you’re looking for ideas or need help implementing them, our team is always ready to offer tailored solutions.
