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7 Budget Friendly French Garden Ideas
I think all of us Francophiles could use more French style in our gardening. Here are 7 Budget Friendly French Garden Ideas. As a chef with The French Magnolia, the garden is paramount – for seed, produce, pollination and rest.
Most of us don’t have the land or budget to install and maintain a ten foot tall boxwood hedge or maze. Even with a tiny bit of space and creativity, everyone can have a little French in their garden.
First, you should know that the French are into form and structure. Symmetry and order are truly the heart of French landscape design.
So, whatever you create, attempt balance. Pairs of planters can easily achieve the effect of balance. Second, authentic doesn’t have to be fancy. Below, is an example of something quite sophisticated, but simple and unpretentious works every time.
What Are You Going For?
It’s important to always know your why. For that reason, know what time of day you will use the space. What activities will be performed in the space? Secondary questions might be, when do you get sunlight? And, what will survive in your climate?
Paris gardens on small terraces and balconies are used as mini-retreats from the confined space of a city living. Certainly, there are multiple budget-friendly ideas here in this article,7 Budget Friendly French Garden Ideas.
Below, are three creative balcony French garden ideas. Notice how simple is lovely.
In contrast, country French gardens (at chateaux and palaces) were used for reflection and exercise. After that, to show-off or establish ones wealth, position and power. Sometimes, they were designed to intimidate. As a result, Chateaux gardens were designed to be viewed from a distance. Additionally, political conversations, strategies, gossip and secret trysts carried were part of traditional French garden life. It was important not to be seen and heard by household staff.
7 Budget Friendly French Garden Ideas
#1. Use and feature what you already have. Meaning, a stucco or brick wall. Creepers are perfect for the budget friendly French garden style because you only need a few. Strategically place 2 or 3 along the bottom. They will take root in the smallest about of soil. Set it and forget it.
See below, a photo of the creeping fig in full force — one of my personal favorites. The creeping fig gives a structural and formal, Parisian look.
Another budget friendly creeping favorite, the creeping Confederate Jasmine. The Confederate Jasmine blooms and grows well up a wall or over an arched trellis. For that reason, it is ideal for a loose, country French look.
Run the Confederate Jasmine up the side of a garage and create an instant look and feel of Provence.
7 Budget Friendly French Garden Ideas
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#2. Incorporate smooth micro pea gravel. Gravel paths and gravel-covered garden spaces are hallmarks of French garden design.
Scattering bags of micro pebbles is an easy do-it-yourself project. For example, over large weedy, dark areas where grass has a difficult time growing. Or, use to cover old-cracked cement.
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#3. French style is a study in geometry. Use long narrow planters with inexpensive, tall-growing, green shrubbery. The modern design of a long, narrow planter makes for great French style. Use boxwoods, if your budget permits, but there are plenty more affordable options. See the Hedge Holly, a hardy, inexpensive and useful foundation plant. Triming the sides flat will resemble a French hedge. Establishing them in planters might be helpful if you are renting. Mature sizes range from 2-10 feet.
Similarly, the laurel bush is a sturdy, quick-growing, green year-round bush. I love the laurel bush in long, narrow planters for a French garden style.
Create privacy or accent an intimate sitting area by creating a green shrubbery or creeper wall. Install an inexpensive DIY 2 by 4 fence. Plant a laurel or holly hedge in front and train it up the fence.
In the same vein, you can use a long, narrow planter for colorful annuals. This French style allows you to move between the seasons more easily.
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#4. Create balance and structure with two topiary-inspired planters. Punctuate the entrance to your garden space or outdoor dining space. On the other hand, topiaries are a French classic at the front or back door.
Topiaries can be a pricey so talk to your local nursery about an affordable alternative that will survive in your climate. I love a trained laurel, but I also love the use of this small evergreen varietal. Furthermore, evergreens are sturdy and of course, green all year long. Tip: You would be surprised what gardening treasures can be found at a garage or estate sale. Hit up a couple of garage sales for unusual planting vessels.
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#5. Absolutely include a place to relax and eat, but it doesn’t have to be fancy. Sitting areas and dining spots add a touch of romance and evoke the feeling of the French countryside. A round, metal table found at a garage sale with mix and match chairs is very French appropriate.
Certainly, you can spray-paint an outdoor table. However, if you want to embrace French garden style, use a cotton table cloth. Tip: a big table by the back door might be convenient, but I recommend putting a bistro set way back in the garden. Now, that’s French garden style!
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#6. Water features are important for French garden style. Most importantly, find and use a water feature that’s appropriate for your space. It does not have to be big or ornate. I love the quiet elegance of a small bird bath. That is to say, keep it simple.
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#7. Anchor all four corners of your garden with big round planters filled with unexpected options. A bigger budget might allow for a gardenia bush or a lemon tree (if you are far enough south). Budget friendly planters might include the unexpected with tons of color. For example, wild flowers, vegetables, fresh herbs and colorful annuals — all inexpensive choices.
Vegetable and herb gardens are a staple of French garden design. Even more, think about using metal for a vessel. Heavy-duty plastic planters in a terra cotta color are popular now. They are much lighter in weight and make life so much easier. It’s a great look for the money. Remember to purchase the little feet that lift the planters off the ground. Tip: be sure to drill holes in the bottom of your planters. To clarify, plants don’t like wet feet.
Wild flowers are budget friendly, romantic and cheerful. For instance, lavender’s practicality and indestructible nature hails Provence. Lavender is genuinely deer resistant and comes in beautiful hues. Likewise, Queen Anne’s Lace, is a useful and productive filler that can take you from June until your first frost. Finally, Black-Eyed Susan’s are easy and remind me of The French wine country. They are fabulous for the fall, taking you from September until your first frost.
BONUS TIP, the PERFECT French Garden Accessory
Finally, no French garden would be complete without le chat. Therefore, a cat is the ultimate French garden accessary. In short, one must have a cat to complete the French garden picture. Besides, cats keep mice away. Oh French kitty, we love you.
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Thank You & Cheers!
