Arts and Crafts Gardens: A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Design

The Arts and Crafts movement, which flourished from the 1880s to the 1920s, left an indelible mark on architecture, interior design, and perhaps most enduringly, on garden design. Arts and Crafts gardens represent a pivotal moment in landscape history, bridging the gap between the formal Victorian gardens and the more naturalistic approaches that would follow. These gardens, with their emphasis on craftsmanship, local materials, and a harmonious relationship between house and landscape, continue to inspire gardeners and designers to this day.

Arts and Crafts Garden

The Philosophy of the Arts and Crafts Movement

Reaction Against Industrialization

The Arts and Crafts movement emerged as a response to the rapid industrialization of the 19th century. Its proponents sought to revive traditional craftsmanship and celebrate the beauty of handmade objects in an era of mass production.

Emphasis on Simplicity and Functionality

Arts and Crafts designers valued simplicity, functionality, and honest expression of materials. This philosophy extended to garden design, where the focus was on creating spaces that were both beautiful and useful.

Connection to Nature

A key tenet of the Arts and Crafts movement was the importance of connecting people with nature. Gardens were seen as an extension of the home, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Social Reform

Many Arts and Crafts advocates saw their work as part of a broader social reform movement, aiming to improve living and working conditions for all classes of society.

Key Characteristics of Arts and Crafts Gardens

Integration of House and Garden

One of the most distinctive features of Arts and Crafts gardens is their close integration with the architecture of the house. This seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces was achieved through various means:

Terraces and patios that extended living spaces outdoors:

  • Often constructed from the same materials as the house
  • Designed to be at the same level as interior floors for easy access
  • Frequently covered with pergolas or awnings to create transitional spaces
  • Used for outdoor dining and entertaining

Use of local materials that complemented the house’s construction:

  • Stone walls matching the house’s facade
  • Wooden structures echoing architectural details
  • Brick pathways complementing chimney stacks or other brick elements
  • Natural materials chosen for their ability to weather and age gracefully

Careful placement of windows and doors to frame garden views:

  • Large windows positioned to capture specific garden vistas
  • French doors opening onto terraces or garden rooms
  • Strategically placed benches or seating areas to enjoy views from inside
  • Use of climbing plants to soften the transition between house and garden

Formal Structure with Informal Planting

Arts and Crafts gardens typically combined a formal underlying structure with more relaxed, naturalistic planting:

Geometric layouts near the house, gradually becoming more informal further away:

  • Symmetrical designs close to the building
  • Straight paths and hedges creating a sense of order
  • Gradual transition to curving paths and irregular beds in distant areas
  • Use of topiary and formal hedging near the house, giving way to looser plantings

Strong axes and sight lines to create a sense of order:

  • Central pathways leading to focal points
  • Aligned features creating a sense of depth and perspective
  • Use of repetition in design elements to reinforce axes
  • Framed views of distant landscape features

Abundant, often native plantings that softened hard edges and created a sense of romance:

  • Overflowing herbaceous borders
  • Climbing plants on walls and structures
  • Naturalized bulbs in lawns and woodland areas
  • Use of self-seeding plants to create a sense of spontaneity

Outdoor “Rooms”

The concept of garden rooms was central to Arts and Crafts design:

Hedges, walls, or pergolas used to divide the garden into distinct spaces:

  • Yew or boxwood hedges creating “walls”
  • Stone or brick walls, often with built-in seating
  • Wooden pergolas covered with climbing plants
  • Changes in level to delineate different areas

Each “room” often had its own character and purpose:

  • Herb gardens with raised beds and fragrant plants
  • Rose gardens with arbors and seating areas
  • Wild gardens featuring native plants and naturalistic designs
  • Water gardens with ponds or fountains
  • Formal gardens with geometric beds and topiary

Transitions between rooms created through gates, arches, or changes in level:

  • Ornate gates marking entrances to different areas
  • Arches covered in climbing roses or clematis
  • Steps or ramps leading between terraced areas
  • Narrow passages opening into larger spaces for a sense of discovery

Emphasis on Craftsmanship

True to the movement’s principles, Arts and Crafts gardens showcased fine craftsmanship:

Handcrafted gates, fences, and garden furniture:

  • Wrought iron gates with intricate designs
  • Wooden fences with decorative details
  • Benches and chairs made by skilled woodworkers
  • Unique trellises and plant supports

Carefully constructed dry stone walls and paving patterns:

  • Walls built without mortar, showcasing the skill of the stonemason
  • Intricate paving designs using local stone or brick
  • Mosaics or inlaid patterns in pathways
  • Use of cobbles or pebbles to create decorative effects

Bespoke garden ornaments and sculptures:

  • Sundials designed specifically for the garden
  • Carved stone or wooden sculptures
  • Handmade pottery used as planters or focal points
  • Unique water features or fountains

Use of Local and Natural Materials

Arts and Crafts gardens emphasized the use of local, natural materials:

Local stone for walls and paving:

  • Slate in Wales, limestone in the Cotswolds, etc.
  • Use of stone in its natural, unpolished state
  • Incorporation of local geological features into the design

Native plants adapted to the local climate:

  • Use of indigenous trees, shrubs, and perennials
  • Plants chosen for their ability to thrive without excessive intervention
  • Incorporation of local wildflowers into garden designs

Traditional building techniques specific to the region:

  • Dry stone walling techniques particular to different areas
  • Thatching or other traditional roofing methods for garden structures
  • Use of local crafts and artisanal skills in garden elements

Productive Gardens

Many Arts and Crafts gardens incorporated productive elements:

Kitchen gardens for growing vegetables and herbs:

  • Often designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind
  • Use of raised beds and cold frames
  • Integration of vegetables with ornamental plants
  • Espaliered fruit trees along walls

Orchards and fruit trees:

  • Traditional varieties of apples, pears, and other fruits
  • Sometimes designed as ornamental features with underplanting
  • Use of fruit trees in mixed borders or as focal points

Cutting gardens for fresh flowers:

  • Dedicated areas for growing flowers for indoor arrangements
  • Wide variety of annuals and perennials for year-round interest
  • Often located near the house for easy access

These characteristics combined to create gardens that were not only beautiful but also deeply connected to their local environment and the lives of their owners. Arts and Crafts gardens represented a holistic approach to design that considered the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, the importance of craftsmanship and local materials, and the balance between ornamental and productive elements. This integrated approach continues to inspire garden designers and enthusiasts today.

Influential Figures in Arts and Crafts Garden Design

William Morris

While primarily known for his work in textiles and interior design, William Morris was a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement and his ideas greatly influenced garden design:

  • Advocated for gardens that were both beautiful and useful
  • Emphasized the importance of native plants and traditional craftsmanship
  • His own garden at Red House was an early example of Arts and Crafts principles in landscape design

Gertrude Jekyll

Gertrude Jekyll was perhaps the most influential garden designer of the Arts and Crafts era:

  • Known for her artistic approach to color and plant combinations
  • Collaborated frequently with architect Edwin Lutyens
  • Wrote extensively on garden design, influencing generations of gardeners
  • Famous for her herbaceous borders and use of drifts of plants

Edwin Lutyens

Architect Edwin Lutyens often worked in tandem with Gertrude Jekyll, creating some of the most iconic Arts and Crafts gardens:

  • Masterful use of local materials in garden structures and hardscaping
  • Created strong architectural frameworks for Jekyll’s planting designs
  • Known for his innovative and playful approach to garden steps and paving patterns

William Robinson

William Robinson’s ideas about naturalistic planting had a significant impact on Arts and Crafts garden design:

  • Advocated for the “wild garden” approach, using hardy native and exotic plants in natural-looking arrangements
  • Criticized the formal bedding schemes popular in Victorian gardens
  • His books, including “The Wild Garden” and “The English Flower Garden,” were highly influential

Notable Arts and Crafts Gardens

Hidcote Manor, England

Created by Lawrence Johnston, Hidcote is one of the best-known Arts and Crafts gardens:

  • Series of outdoor rooms, each with its own character
  • Famous Red Borders showcasing Jekyll-inspired color schemes
  • Innovative use of topiary and hedging to create structure

Sissinghurst Castle, England

While created slightly later than the height of the Arts and Crafts movement, Sissinghurst embodies many of its principles:

  • Designed by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson
  • Series of distinct garden rooms, including the famous White Garden
  • Strong integration of the garden with the historic buildings

Hestercombe, England

The collaboration between Lutyens and Jekyll at Hestercombe created a quintessential Arts and Crafts garden:

  • Formal terraces near the house transitioning to more naturalistic areas
  • Innovative use of local materials in the hardscaping
  • Jekyll’s signature herbaceous borders and color schemes

Gamble House, California

This American example of Arts and Crafts design showcases how the movement’s principles were adapted to different climates and cultures:

  • Strong integration of house and garden
  • Use of native Californian plants
  • Crafted wooden elements that echo the house’s architecture

Plant Selection in Arts and Crafts Gardens

Arts and Crafts gardens are known for their lush, abundant plantings. Common choices included:

Perennials

  • Delphiniums, lupins, and hollyhocks for vertical accents
  • Phlox, asters, and rudbeckias for late-season color
  • Hardy geraniums and lady’s mantle as ground cover

Shrubs

  • Roses, especially old-fashioned varieties and ramblers
  • Lilacs, viburnums, and philadelphus for structure and fragrance
  • Boxwood and yew for hedging and topiary

Trees

  • Fruit trees, often trained as espaliers or in small orchards
  • Flowering trees like magnolias and cherries
  • Native species appropriate to the local ecosystem

Climbers

  • Clematis, wisteria, and climbing roses to soften walls and pergolas
  • Honeysuckle and jasmine for fragrance

Bulbs

  • Naturalized daffodils and crocuses in lawns and woodland areas
  • Tulips and alliums in borders for spring color

The Arts and Crafts Garden Today

The principles of Arts and Crafts garden design continue to resonate with contemporary gardeners and landscape architects, influencing modern approaches to outdoor spaces:

Renewed Interest in Craftsmanship

In an age of mass production, there’s a growing appreciation for handcrafted garden elements and traditional skills:

  • Bespoke Garden Structures: There’s increasing demand for custom-made pergolas, arbors, and gates that showcase skilled craftsmanship.
  • Artisanal Hardscaping: Hand-laid stone paths, dry stone walls, and custom paving patterns are valued for their uniqueness and quality.
  • Handcrafted Furniture: Garden benches, tables, and decorative elements made by skilled artisans are prized for their character and durability.
  • Revival of Traditional Techniques: There’s renewed interest in traditional gardening skills like topiary, hedge laying, and espalier fruit tree training.

This trend is evident in the popularity of Craftsman-style outdoor designs, as seen in the Houzz photo gallery, which showcases elements like custom pergolas, handcrafted stonework, and bespoke wooden features.

Emphasis on Sustainability

The Arts and Crafts focus on local materials and native plants aligns well with current interests in sustainable and eco-friendly gardening practices:

  • Use of Native Plants: There’s a growing emphasis on using plants adapted to local conditions, reducing the need for irrigation and chemical inputs.
  • Local Materials: Sourcing stone, wood, and other materials locally reduces transportation costs and supports regional economies.
  • Wildlife-Friendly Design: Gardens are increasingly designed to support pollinators and local fauna, echoing the Arts and Crafts interest in connecting with nature.
  • Water Conservation: Features like rain gardens and permeable paving reflect both aesthetic and ecological concerns.

The naturalistic planting approach described in “The New Perennialist” article aligns closely with these sustainability principles, emphasizing ecological design and biodiversity.

Creating Outdoor Living Spaces

The Arts and Crafts idea of the garden as an extension of the home is more relevant than ever, with increased interest in outdoor rooms and al fresco living:

  • Outdoor Kitchens: Fully equipped cooking areas are becoming common features in garden designs.
  • Comfortable Seating Areas: Outdoor living rooms with weather-resistant furniture create spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
  • Fire Pits and Fireplaces: These features extend the usability of outdoor spaces into cooler months.
  • Covered Patios and Pergolas: These structures blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, providing shelter and shade.

The Houzz gallery showcases numerous examples of these outdoor living spaces, demonstrating how contemporary designs are incorporating Arts and Crafts principles of integrating home and garden.

Appreciation for Naturalistic Planting

The movement’s embrace of more relaxed, naturalistic planting styles continues to influence garden design, seen in the popularity of prairie-style and new perennial movement plantings:

  • Mixed Plantings: Instead of formal bedding schemes, there’s a preference for intermingling different plant species in a more natural-looking way.
  • Layered Design: Gardens are designed with multiple layers of plants, mimicking natural ecosystems.
  • Year-Round Interest: There’s a focus on creating gardens that look appealing in all seasons, not just during peak flowering periods.
  • Meadow-Inspired Designs: Prairie and meadow-style plantings are increasingly popular in both public and private gardens.

The “Wild-ish at Heart” article from The New Perennialist directly addresses this trend, describing how naturalistic planting design is being adapted for home gardens, drawing inspiration from high-profile projects like the High Line in New York City.

Modern Interpretations

While staying true to Arts and Crafts principles, contemporary designers are adapting them to modern lifestyles and aesthetics:

  • Simplified Designs: Modern interpretations often feature cleaner lines and less ornate details while maintaining the connection to craftsmanship.
  • Technology Integration: Smart irrigation systems and outdoor lighting are incorporated in ways that complement the overall design.
  • Multifunctional Spaces: Gardens are designed to serve multiple purposes, from food production to entertainment to remote work spaces.
  • Adaptive Reuse: There’s growing interest in repurposing existing structures and materials in garden design, aligning with both sustainability goals and the Arts and Crafts emphasis on craftsmanship.

The Arts and Crafts garden aesthetic continues to evolve, adapting to contemporary needs while maintaining its core principles of craftsmanship, connection to nature, and integration of home and garden. This enduring influence demonstrates the timeless appeal of creating thoughtful, well-crafted outdoor spaces that enhance our daily lives and connect us to the natural world.

Challenges in Maintaining Arts and Crafts Gardens

While beautiful, Arts and Crafts gardens can present some challenges for modern gardeners:

Labor Intensity

The lush, abundant plantings typical of these gardens often require significant maintenance.

Adapting to Climate Change

Some traditional plant choices may struggle in changing climate conditions, requiring adaptations in plant selection.

Balancing Historic Preservation and Modern Needs

For historic Arts and Crafts gardens, there’s often a tension between preserving original designs and adapting to contemporary uses and maintenance practices.

Creating an Arts and Crafts Inspired Garden

For those inspired by the Arts and Crafts style, here are some detailed tips for incorporating its principles into your own garden:

Start with Structure

Begin by creating a strong underlying structure for your garden, using hedges, walls, or paths to define spaces:

  • Create a Master Plan: Sketch out your garden layout, considering the existing landscape and how you want to use the space.
  • Use Geometric Shapes: Near the house, incorporate rectangles, squares, or circles to create a formal foundation.
  • Install Permanent Features: Consider adding stone walls, brick pathways, or wooden pergolas to establish lasting structure.
  • Plant Structural Elements: Use evergreen hedges or topiary to create year-round form and divide spaces.
  • Incorporate Levels: If your garden is sloped, use terracing to create distinct areas and add visual interest.

Integrate House and Garden

Look for ways to create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces:

  • Add a Terrace or Patio: Create an outdoor living area directly accessible from the house, using materials that complement the home’s architecture.
  • Frame Views: Position key garden features to be visible from inside the house, creating visual connections.
  • Use Transitional Spaces: Incorporate a conservatory, sunroom, or covered porch to blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
  • Extend Interior Design Elements: Use similar color schemes or design motifs in your outdoor spaces to create continuity.
  • Consider Sight Lines: Create axes that lead the eye from the house into the garden, perhaps terminating in a focal point like a sculpture or water feature.

Use Local Materials

Incorporate materials that are traditional to your area:

  • Source Local Stone: Use native stone for walls, pathways, or garden features. This could be slate, limestone, granite, or whatever is typical in your region.
  • Incorporate Local Wood: Use timber from native trees for fences, pergolas, or garden furniture.
  • Use Regional Brick: If brick is traditional in your area, incorporate it into your design for paths, walls, or edging.
  • Consider Thatching: In areas where it’s traditional, consider a thatched roof for a garden structure.
  • Research Historical Techniques: Look into traditional building methods used in your area and incorporate them where possible.

Create Garden Rooms

Divide your garden into distinct areas, each with its own purpose and character:

  • Define Spaces: Use hedges, walls, or changes in level to create separate “rooms.”
  • Assign Purposes: Designate areas for different activities – dining, relaxation, play, or contemplation.
  • Vary the Mood: Give each room its own atmosphere through plant choices and design elements.
  • Create Transitions: Use gates, arches, or narrow passages to move between rooms, creating a sense of journey and discovery.
  • Include a Wild Area: Dedicate one room to a more naturalistic, less manicured style as a contrast to formal areas.

Embrace Abundance

Plant generously, using drifts of perennials and shrubs to create a lush, romantic feel:

  • Use Layered Planting: Combine tall, medium, and low-growing plants to create depth and interest.
  • Plant in Drifts: Group plants in generous clusters rather than isolated specimens.
  • Mix Textures and Forms: Combine plants with different leaf shapes and growth habits for visual interest.
  • Incorporate Climbing Plants: Use roses, clematis, or wisteria to soften walls and structures.
  • Allow for Self-Seeding: Embrace a bit of controlled chaos by allowing plants to naturalize and spread.

Include Productive Elements

Consider incorporating a small vegetable plot, herb garden, or fruit trees:

  • Design an Ornamental Kitchen Garden: Create a decorative potager that combines vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
  • Espalier Fruit Trees: Train fruit trees against walls to save space and create architectural interest.
  • Plant a Small Orchard: If space allows, include a group of fruit trees, perhaps underplanted with spring bulbs.
  • Create an Herb Spiral: Build a spiral-shaped raised bed for herbs, which is both functional and decorative.
  • Incorporate Edible Landscaping: Use attractive edible plants like rainbow chard or artichokes in ornamental beds.

Add Handcrafted Touches

Look for opportunities to include handmade elements:

  • Commission a Custom Gate: A beautifully crafted wooden or metal gate can be a focal point in your garden.
  • Install Handmade Tiles: Use artisanal tiles for a small mosaic or to decorate steps.
  • Add Bespoke Garden Furniture: Invest in handcrafted benches or chairs that complement your garden style.
  • Incorporate Artistic Elements: Include sculptures, ceramic planters, or decorative ironwork.
  • Create Unique Hardscaping: Consider a custom-designed paving pattern or a hand-laid pebble mosaic.

By incorporating these elements, you can create a garden that captures the essence of the Arts and Crafts style while still meeting your personal needs and preferences. Remember, the key is to create a space that feels harmonious, crafted with care, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Don’t be afraid to adapt these principles to your specific site, climate, and lifestyle – the best gardens are those that evolve organically over time, reflecting both the broader design tradition and the individual character of their creators.

Final Words

More than a century after their heyday, Arts and Crafts gardens continue to captivate and inspire. Their unique blend of formal structure and informal planting, their emphasis on craftsmanship and local materials, and their deep connection between house and landscape offer a vision of the garden that feels both timeless and deeply relevant to contemporary concerns. In an era of increasing urbanization and disconnection from nature, the Arts and Crafts ideal of the garden as a space for both beauty and utility, a place where people can reconnect with the natural world and the rhythms of the seasons, resonates strongly. These gardens remind us of the importance of creating outdoor spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also deeply personal, functional, and rooted in their local environment.

Moreover, many of the principles underlying Arts and Crafts garden design align well with current trends towards sustainability, biodiversity, and the use of native plants. The movement’s emphasis on local materials and traditional craftsmanship speaks to growing concerns about the environmental impact of globalized production and the loss of traditional skills. As we look to the future of garden design, the Arts and Crafts movement offers valuable lessons. It shows us how gardens can be both beautiful and practical, how they can reflect local traditions and ecosystems while also incorporating new ideas and plant materials. It reminds us of the importance of craftsmanship and attention to detail in creating spaces that are truly meaningful and enduring.

Whether you’re tending a small urban plot or managing a large estate, the principles of Arts and Crafts garden design offer a wealth of inspiration. By embracing these ideas – the integration of house and garden, the creation of outdoor rooms, the use of local materials, the balance of formal structure and informal planting – we can create gardens that are not just beautiful, but also deeply connected to our homes, our communities, and the natural world around us.

In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected and mass-produced, Arts and Crafts gardens offer a vision of spaces that are authentic, handcrafted, and deeply rooted in their place. They remind us of the joy of working with our hands, of the beauty of natural materials, and of the deep satisfaction that comes from creating and tending a garden. As we face the challenges of the 21st century, the Arts and Crafts garden, with its harmonious blend of nature and design, continues to offer a compelling model for how we can live in better balance with the world around us.