Ina Garten's 'magical' flower garden demonstrates the power of strategic plant placement – experts decode her technique
The Barefoot Contessa's summer flowers are an inspiration for gardeners everywhere – her planned flower placement has a stunning effect
We've long looked to Ina Garten for garden inspiration, but this July, she's outdone herself. The Barefoot Contessa took to Instagram to share videos of her summer flowers, and they're some of the most vibrant blooms we've ever seen.
Garten's flower garden has a green, purple, white, and yellow palette at its forefront. Hedges form the back layer, with a row of taller flowers in front and low ground cover flowers and leafy plants in the front. The late edging and natural wood of her home make the beautiful planting stand out even more.
Beyond its beauty, Garten's outdoor space is a masterclass in technique. David Denyer, a two-time Florist of the Year and six-time Chelsea Gold Medalist, and current in-house expert at Eflorist, tells Homes & Gardens: 'Ina Garten’s garden demonstrates the power of strategic plant placement. She uses bright purple Salvia Caradonna for a pop of color, while white roses add a touch of elegance. Lamb’s Ear with its green bunches provides a base in the front of the garden. The geranium ground cover adds another layer of greenery at the very front.'
A post shared by Ina Garten (@inagarten)
A photo posted by on
He further unpacks the way Garten has planned her garden. Denyer says: 'The true magic lies in Ina's layering technique. Taller elements like roses and Salvia are positioned strategically at the back, creating a backdrop for the mid-height Lamb’s Ear. Further down the planting bed, she’s placed Geraniums — this adds another layer of visual interest and prevents bare patches. This thoughtful layering not only creates a sense of depth and dimension but also ensures all the plants have their moment to shine.'
Though the beautiful summer garden looks difficult to replicate, it's not as hard as it looks. 'While professionally designed, Ina’s colorful garden can be easily recreated in your garden,' advises Denyer. He continues: 'First, forget about sparse planting and embrace abundance. Ina's garden thrives on clusters of diverse plants nestled close together, creating a vibrant and visually dense feel.'
Shop The Look
We tracked down Caldonna Salvia, white roses, and geraniums similar to those in Ina's garden. Our editors love ordering potted plants from Amazon, because they arrive quickly straight to your doorstep, ready to put right in the ground.
Luckily, it's possible to recreate Ina's plant placement and the look of her garden, no matter your climate or budget. Denyer advises: 'If you’re obsessed with her flower selection but don’t have access to the exact blooms she’s used, there are several alternatives you can consider. Instead of Salvia Caradonna, try Foxgloves. These towering spikes come in purple, pink, and white and are perfect for layering. Delicate and visually unique, replicating Lamb’s Ear can be a challenge. Try Coral Bells also known as Heuchera – these mid-height perennial plants come in an array of bold colors, perfect for a garden Ina would be proud of.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'Finally, as an alternative to the Geraniums Ina used in the front of her garden, consider Bugleweed. These dainty plants are cold-hardy and easy to grow, making them ideal for beginner gardeners who want to achieve something truly special,' he concludes.
By following the example set by Ina's plant placement, one day, we can all have a garden that's worth of the Barefoot Contessa herself.
Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
-
Jon Bon Jovi's traditional Christmas tree makes use of the 'unexpected red theory' for a classic but striking look – and his stunning look is easily replicable
Red and gold come together on the rock musician's Christmas tree for a design that is at once anti-trend and impeccably stylish – ornaments are all you need
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
How to keep houseplants warm in winter – 5 methods to protect your indoor plants from cold
Although protected from the elements, houseplants can still be subject to damage from cold room temperatures
By Tenielle Jordison Published
-
Drew Barrymore's Beautiful collection embraces flower power – this one item literally lights up a room
The latest decor drop includes a vintage-inspired flower lamp, which retails for under $48 – and it was the first thing in our carts
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Diane Keaton's new decor collection is a celebration of wit and playful irreverence – directly inspired by her quirky home
The collaboration offers a humorous twist to the most simple color palette of all – bringing Keaton's flare to our entertaining spaces
By Megan Slack Published
-
RuPaul's kitchen is sleek and sophisticated thanks to this unexpected cabinet color
RuPaul's black kitchen cabinets are undeniably bold, yet have a surprisingly soothing effect that get the expert stamp of approval
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Justin Baldoni's anti-trend kitchen cabinet color serves as the perfect 'blank canvas' – this style will never fade
The actor knows that this color transcends fads, so he used it for his kitchen cabinets - experts swear by the classic, calming shade
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Cynthia Nixon's sofa color is a 'cornerstone in modern interior design' – it's a classic for a reason
Cynthia Nixon's gray sofa proves that the neutral hue is anything but outdated, pairing the soft shade with some warm, natural materials for a trendy look
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Pastry chef Dominique Ansel shares the 3 most useful appliances every home baker needs in their kitchen
The celebrity pastry chef swears by these pieces of equipment to level up your home baking - and explains the one item he can't live without
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Martha Stewart's dining room taps into this timely trend – here's how to recreate the look
Martha Stewart's Skylands property in Maine has been decked out with a summer-ready tablescape, featuring collectible plates and coveted glassware
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jamie Lee Curtis's luxurious bedding is a favorite among sleep experts – and it's surprisingly low-maintenance
Jamie Lee Curtis's bedding has benefits for skin, hair, and sleeping temperature - experts say it is exceedingly simple to care for
By Sophie Edwards Published