It seems only fitting for a wonderful old 1926 bungalow to have a 1920’s themed garden.
The front garden was important to homeowners of the 1920’s. Generally there were no front fences. If so, they were crimped wire fences (in a wide mesh format) attached to wooden posts and rails. Low hedging would often be grown inside the fence. Driveways and walkways were otherwise defined by rambling flowers. A proud homeowner took to more formal topiary, low hedging and standards (be it roses or other delicately pruned bushes) to make their ‘park like setting’ visible from the road.
You would expect to see light coloured gravel walkways and driveways and gardens in simple geometric designs. Slate was often used as stepping stones.
If we were living in a grand old villa we perhaps would attribute a garden to match – a stately fountain, statues, raised boxed gardens and hedge maze. But we are not, so we haven’t!
1920’s Garden Inspiration
We’ve done our best on a budget to kick-start a classic 1920’s look and feel in our humble bungalow. Topiary, small buxus hedging and standards-in-the-making seem a perfect fit – for now. Some need to grow for impact, but it’ll happen when it happens! Not everything can have instant gratification in life.
And while not text-book 1920’s gardening (if there is such a thing), let’s just say this is our “nod and a wink” to a 1920’s inspired garden.
Phase II will see bulbs and annuals planted down the driveway to help bring in the bees and the butterflies.
In the 1920’s the trend was to bring nature close to home. Homeowners would install bird feeders, bird houses and bird baths in an attempt to lure fine feathered friends. Berry trees were also planted to help attract the birds so it was not uncommon to see holly and crab apples in front gardens. Fish ponds and rock gardens also brought nature closer to home.
We are delighted to already have a mature holly tree and, while it is a prickly monster to prune and keep under control, it is a perfect front garden feature ready to be tamed.
Backyards were designated as the ‘service area’ with laundry drying on lines, vegetable gardens, wild flowers and compost nooks, a chicken run, glasshouse, fruit trees and the family swing…minus the chickens this time, we’ve got everything else covered.
Do you note the birdbath (currently growing annuals)? If you look closely, the base is…yes, a concrete cast of a dustbin lid. There you have it, DIY 1920’s style!
