Don't the most charming gardens look like something out of a storybook? We've seen ideas for backyard inspired by fairytales trending online recently, and it got us to thinking... what is the fairytale garden look?
Think forest gardens — colorful and fun flowers that grow wild, a more naturalistic style of planting, and pathways that twist and wind through your outdoor space, revealing secret hidden pockets of garden.
These spaces call for whimsy imagination, and a ton of fun, making them kid-friendly. We spoke to a couple of professionals and they've given us all the tips we need to design a magical outdoor space that's right out of a storybook. It's the kind of space you and your kids will never want to leave.
Here are our top fairytale garden ideas to get the look.
1. Adventurous Pathways
In conversation with home designer Nina Lichtenstein, she tells us that adventurous garden paths perfectly set the tone for fairy-tale gardens. 'Create winding paths using natural materials like stepping stones, wood slices, or gravel,' she says. 'These paths can lead to various "magical zones" in the garden, encouraging children to wander and discover hidden treasures.'
Landscape designer Katherine Aul Cervoni also tells us that winding trails are a necessary addition to perfect the forest feel. 'They help visitors feel like they're on a small journey with elements of surprise tucked around the bend,' she says.
Nina also recommends adding glow-in-the-dark stones to line the pathways. 'They add a touch of magic, especially in the twilight hours,' she notes.
Price: $25
Size: 12 Inches
This debossed round resin stepping stone has a beautiful laurel-esque stamp that thematically aligns with the fairy-tale garden trend. The natural finish and rugged border make it an organic addition to garden pathways.
Price: $28
Style: Checkerboard Pattern
If you're like me and obsessed with gorgeous jade hues, this modern take on checkerboard tiles is likely right up your alley. The green tint is perfectly suited for a garden setting while still giving the space a chic edge.
Price: $98
Color: Gray
Wood stepping stones are an absolute classic, but Anthropologie's rendition offers an elevated finishing touch to a garden path. They're hand-cast from concrete, complete with graining that perfectly resembles natural wood.
2. Magical Water Features
Water features offer tremendous stimulation for a sensory garden, from the gentle sounds to the visual appeal and even the feeling of tracing your fingers across the surface. Besides, we think that they make total sense in a fairytale setting and Nina agrees.
'A small, child-friendly water feature can add a soothing element to your fairy-tale garden.,' she says. 'Consider a shallow pond with floating lilies or a miniature fountain.'
Not every home has the luxury of a natural pond and if you're not interested in creating your own, you can always opt for bird baths and mini waterfall features. You can also tap into sustainable solutions and DIY your own solar panel water fountain for a feature that's easy on the pocket.
Price: $136
Includes: Plant + Waterfall Filter, LED Waterfall Transformer, Water Pump + Low-Suction Attachment, Expanded Clay, Polished Gravel
This garden pond waterfall kit gives you a small water feature that is also simultaneously interactive thanks to its waterfall feature. It's easy to set up and comes with everything you need for an aquatic garden accent.
Price: $18
Dimensions: 6.02"L x 5.63"W x 2.44"H
Grab an old sink, a large planter, or even a birdbath, and set up this solar fountain kit for a stunning outdoor water feature. Not only is it inexpensive and sustainable but it's also extremely versatile and can be personalized according to your preference.
Price: $199
Color: Lava
Birdbaths can sometimes look a bit antiquated and while we love the concept, they're not always pretty to look at. However, we found this gorgeous ceramic birdbath on Wayfair and we think it's perfect for a fairy-tale garden look.
3. Grow a lush garden in layers
Taking inspiration from forest gardens, a fairytale garden is all about creating a canopy overhead and underplanting it with beautiful and colorful shade-loving plants. 'Aim to include as many layers as you can,' says Dani Baker, author of the Home-Scale Forest Garden from Chelsea Green.
Think trees, colorful climbing plants, pretty perennial flowers, and plant around pathways with naturalistic and low-maintenance ground cover for shade.
Price: $58
Size: 7' x 4'
These glamorous cup-shaped roses look like they're right out of a princess book. With soft prolific petals in a snowy white color, these roses will make your garden look enchantingly beautiful.
Price: $8
Quantity: 50 Seeds
Doesn't this pink muhly grass just scream fairy-tale? The overgrown feathery grass with fuzzy pink blades fits the vibe flawlessly. And it also happens to be one of the best ornamental grasses for privacy.
Price: $16.67
Quantity: 100 seeds
Daisies are a time-honored floral addition and there's just something about these whimsical flowers that make them match the fairy-tale garden aesthetic. And don't be fooled by their simple nature, these dainty flowers are actually hardy blooms that are tolerant to most environments.
4. String Lights & Lanterns
What's a fairytale garden without strands of glowing lights? It's a lovely way to keep your space alive, even under the cloak of darkness.
Nina recommends stringing lights and lanterns as a modern garden lighting idea to create a magical atmosphere. 'Fairy light strings with delicate, flower-shaped bulbs or lanterns with intricate designs can add extra enchantment,' she says. 'Opt for solar-powered options to keep it eco-friendly and hassle-free,'
But if you don't want the trouble of hanging up your lights or simply don't have the overhead support, you can always include light spokes to flank your garden path.
Price: $40
Color: Black
Rustic lanterns are a lovely lighting addition to an outdoor set-up. Their portability makes it easy to illuminate varied spaces without having to worry about a lack of outdoor outlets. And these ones from Anthropologie are solar-powered - points for sustainability.
Price: $117
Quantity: Set of 2
The moment I saw this elegant crystal wall lamp, I had to add it to my wishlist. When lit, the bubbled lampshade looks like a vial of pixie dust come to life. Not only are they waterproof but they're also suitable for most weather conditions, including snow, ice, heat, and more.
Price: $248
Color: Bronze
If you're looking for a lighting option that matches the fairy-tale garden setting without taking away from your chic patio, this starburst sconce is perfect for you. The metallic bronze finish coupled with the clean white bulb offers a hint of balanced opulence to any backyard space.
5. Enchanted Hideaways
Nina explains that secret nooks and cozy corners are essential for children to retreat and let their imaginations run wild. Using natural materials like willow branches or bamboo, she finds that you can easily create small hideouts or teepees.
'Buy or craft fairy doors and windows to attach to tree trunks or garden walls,' she says. 'These tiny additions make it seem like fairies have made their homes in your garden.'
You can also tap into the stunning sweet pea tent trend and give your teepee a floral glow-up. However, it's important to note that these flowers are poisonous upon consumption. So it's best to tap into the trend if you're certain your kids and pets will not ingest any of the blooms.
Price: $60
Size: 48.0" L x 3.0" W x 3.0" H
If you're interested in making your own sweet pea tent but love a hassle-free DIY, then this bamboo teepee will definitely come in handy. It makes it incredibly easy for you to adopt the trend and can also be used as a trellis-like feature for any other planting of your choice.
Creating a fairy-tale garden is all about fostering a sense of wonder and adventure. 'By combining imaginative plantings and magical decor you can design a garden that’s not only beautiful but also a cherished space for children to play and dream,' Nina tells us.
And while this type of backyard is perfect for kids, we don't see a single reason as to why this space wouldn't be just as enjoyable at any age.
So whether it's for you or your children, this is your sign to create the fairy-tale garden of your dreams.
