Zooey Deschanel's English Cottage Garden Design Unlocks Secrets for Creating An Enchanting Getaway in Any Backyard
The blooming roses, gazebo, and birdbath in the actress's backyard feel straight out of 'The Secret Garden,' and the technique works in any backyard
Zooey Deschanel may live in Brentwood, but her backyard feels plucked from Misselthwaite Manor in Frances Hodgson Burnett's Edwardian novel. Luckily, whether you live on the Yorkshire moors of northern England or in a Los Angeles Suburb, this wild, untamed garden layout is well within your reach.
In a recent Instagram post, the actress took fans on a tour through her English country-style garden, giving hints on how to replicate the look in the process. Zooey's video features pink roses, climbing roses, and dusty purple roses. It also includes a large fountain (like this one on sale at Wayfair) and gazebo. These different zones woven throughout the outdoor space creates a sense of whimsy and charm that is not easily forgotten.
Recreate Zooey's Look at Home
Get the gazebo look for less with this stylish Iron structure, built to add height and intricacy to a backyard. The narrow sides are perfect for growing roses against.
A gravel garden is a practical and low-maintenance option to include in a sunny, weed-free and well-drained position. It can perfectly set off wildness of a traditional English cottage garden, drought-tolerant planting, and can complement other hard surfaces.
These outdoor chairs look nearly identical to the ones on Zooey Deschanel's gazebo, and are perfect for adding a modern touch to your English-style garden. The cushions are built to withstand any weather, so you will have them for years to come.
There is nothing that adds whimsy to a garden like a detailed fountain, and this one at Wayfair is currently over 60% off. It comes in two different colors, and boasts gorgeous carvings for an authentic feel.
These stunning pruners win for both style and function, and are a must to maintain a well-kept rose garden. The high-quality blades deliver clean cuts, while the safety catch prevents accidental cuts. The well-balanced design makes them comfortable to use for any hand size.
This starting solution is an expert-approved fertilizer preference, and we can see why: the liquid plant food can be used with seedlings, flowers, vegetables, trees, and other plants when planting or transplanting. It's great for sluggish roses.
Master gardener Rachel explains that Zooey's garden works because it taps into the quintessential English garden idea, which involves wild and unpretentious planting. She states: 'This garden design is giving understated, English cottage garden charm, and I love it. The three-tier stone fountain adds a regency element, but the most important feature here is the roses. Imagine the sweet, honeyed scent when they are all in bloom, enveloping the pergola and nearby beds with a beautiful fragrance.'
Though the structures Zooey fills the garden with are the most eye-catching element of this space, it's growing roses that renders this garden transportative. Rachel advises: 'To get this effect quickly, I would always look for a David Austin climbing shrub rose. They are easy to grow, always provide abundant flowers, and are an authentic part of any English cottage garden.'
Rachel's favorites for creating an unruly look like the one seen in Zooey's yard are the Pilgrim Rose Shrub, and the Emily Bronte Rose Shrub from David Austin.
Love celebrity news and interior design inspiration? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
