Minimalist garden: minimalism conquers interior design & gardens

We build houses that are more imposing, drive bigger cars and own than a few decades ago. The average European owns an average of 10.000 items. It seems that we need more and more to be satisfied. But a counter-trend has been noticeable in recent years: Minimalism. We will tell you what this is all about and why it is not only good to free yourself from unnecessary things, but also to make the house and garden more minimalistic.

Does it make me happy or can I throw it away?

More and more people are consciously limiting their lives, cleaning up and focusing on essentials. However, minimalisms is not about owning as few things as possible or not including anything, but rather being aware of what things you really need and want to have around you. Everything else will be given away or donated. In return, quality, sustainability or design are becoming more important again. Professor Arnd Florack from the university Vienna says: “Minimalism as small, own project can satisfy the need for self-determination. If at the same time you focus even more on the consumption of experiences together with others, this can be beneficial for well-being.” No wonder that many not only muck out their closets, but also their entire lives. Minimalism is also a big topic in the architecture, interior design and garden design.

Less is more in the garden too

While most gardens in Europe were mostly lush and laid out with multiple garden design elements, the Japanese monks relied on minimalistic gardens since the 15^th century. A prime example are Zen-gardens, in which, alongside stones and trees, sand and moss set the tone. The German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is considered the founding father of today´s minimalist gardens. Not only do famous buildings like the New National Gallery in Berlin or the Martin Luther Jr. Memorial library in Washington come from him, but also the saying: “Less is more”.

Minimalist garden design: The three principles

Minimalism doesn´t mean – as some suspect – emptiness, but minimalist gardens can be true oases of well-being through their deliberate reduction. It depends on the correct composition of the three basic elements:

Shape: romantic details, flourishes or lush plants are out of place in a minimalist garden design. Instead, opt for clean lines, geometric forms or repetitions. Path slabs could lead through the green, rectangular flowerbeds could visually be separated from meadows and gravel areas and a garden bench could stand on a wooden platform.

Plants: Be careful not to place plant too close together and match leaves or flowers to one another. White hydrangeas, yellow tulips, purple lavender, Japanese mountain grass or bamboo look elegant. When in doubt choose one extraordinary plant rather than many small ones. A cherry tree, a rock pear tree or a read-leaved maple in the right place attracts glances, while the rest is elegantly withdrawn. However, minimalistic gardens aren´t stone or gravel gardens – so green lawns are a must and should be carefully maintained.

Materials: Do not overdo it with materials and choose consciously. Concrete, steel, glass, wood and natural stone are most commonly found in such gardens. It´s about a harmonious contras between man-made shapes and naturalness. A minimalist garden can be upgraded with a rectangular fountain or some other not to playful water element. Decent lightning also shouldn´t be missing in the evening.

Attention: Garden that are deliberately kept simple are generally considered to be easy to maintain. Because of the minimalist design, dirty areas, a crooked fence or other flaws are more eye catching. This can quickly make your green oasis look messy.

A minimalist garden need accents

Even if minimalist gardens, as well as minimalist interior design, are about conscious selection and omission, the character of the owner should still be reflected in the garden. Set accents with small details such has a granite boulder, a modern sculpture or a stone wall. Hammocks and hammock chairs can be a splash of color and a favorite place at the same time. Besides you can share all sorts of experiences, from having a coffee with your friends to a nap with your child to building castles in the air with your partner – and that’s what it´s all about.

If you have a minimalist garden with only a few trees, you can find matching frames made of wood or metal at CHICO. This means that hammocks and hammock chairs can easily be placed in the right place. If you need more space: We also manufacture double hammocks for the whole family that can carry up to 250 kg.