You don't need to reside in south-west England to be familiar with the classic Cotswolds garden aesthetic. In this region, yards often uphold the characteristics of a classic English country garden, complete with rambling roses, herbaceous borders, and rewilded lawns. Ellen DeGeneres, however, likes to do things a bit differently.
Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, reside in a stunning architectural wonder, named Hiaven, that contrasts every idea you might have about English country design. It's an ultra-minimalist structure with raw, industrial bones that wouldn't look out of place in Los Angeles – and naturally, the garden follows suit.
Unlike a traditional cottage garden, the modernist yard is defined by smooth lines around the pool area and pine trees that give the space an aesthetic that mimics a luxury spa resort. It's totally unique and hasn't gone unappreciated by professional gardeners who love its zen-like quality.
Shop the look
This outdoor bench, complete with thickly padded cushion, offers a comfortable seating experience that's inspired by Ellen's garden. The seat cushion and pillows feature removable covers for easy washing, meaning it's so easy to care for, all summer long.
Minimalist and refined (just like Ellen's garden), this outdoor patio chaise lounge chair combines woven natural rope with a sleek silhouette and classic color palette. It has an interior aluminum frame for exceptional durability, and the cushions are foam-padded for lots of support
A lounge chair like this is the perfect finishing touch for a sunny spot. The acacia frame makes this sun lounger a lot more attractive than the usual polythene loungers, but it won't cost any more money. There's even a side table built in to hold your drinks.
'Ellen DeGeneres’ garden is unlike anything else you'll find in the Cotswolds: A serene, almost meditative space that balances sculptural boldness with gentle restraint,' comments Thom Rutter, a master gardener and gardens editor at Homes & Gardens.
Perhaps the most defining feature in Ellen's garden is her use of pine trees, which, Thom says, feel like ' living artworks' when given room to breathe.
'Rather than crowding their branches with competing plants, space is allowed for each tree to stand in quiet authority, creating a minimalist yet deeply impactful composition,' he says.
The landscaping with ornamental grasses is equally inspiring.
'A refined palette of ornamental grasses, such as the soft plumes of Stipa or the subtle curves of Carex, adds to the sense of calm, offering year-round interest while enhancing the sensory experience,' Thom notes.
'The result is a landscape that feels more like a sanctuary than a garden –thoughtfully curated, effortlessly tranquil, and entirely unique in its Zen-like presence.'
Do you love Ellen's minimalist look, or would you opt for a traditional garden? Let me know your thoughts here in the comments below.
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