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.'
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.'
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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.'
'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.
