Rustic gardens are more inviting than formal ones. Rustic gardens are perfect for any backyard, front yard or side yard. They have an organic, unplanned look.
Check out these easy ideas to add rustic charm to your outdoor area.
01
Vintage Furniture
Rustic garden ideas
Lobster and Swan
The greenhouse in the middle of this rustic English cottage garden by Lobster and Swan is outfitted with vintage metal furniture, accessories and weathered items that give it a timeless feel.
02
Raising the Vegetable Garden
Rustic garden ideas
My 100-Year Old Home
This backyard vegetable garden in Southern California from My 100 Year Old House features raised planters made of natural wood. Repurposed wood pallets are an affordable, eco-friendly option for DIY garden projects.
03
Follow the Garden Path
Rustic garden ideas
Emily Henderson Design / Sara Ligorria Tramp Photo
Asymmetry and imperfection are better than formal landscaping when it comes to adding rustic touches to your backyard. Emily Henderson Design’s backyard features a stone path leading to a play area. The path is lined with grasses, flowers, and plants of different heights and sizes that enhance the natural look.
04
Plants around the pool can be used to create a natural landscape
Rustic garden ideas
Leanne Ford Interiors Design / Amy Neunsinger Photo
Leanne Ford Interiors created this rustic California canyon house made of rough wood and stone. The garden features a stone-lined organic pool surrounded by lush green plants in a variety shapes and sizes. They perfectly complement the rustic architecture.
05
Mix and match pots
Rustic garden ideas
Lobster and Swan
This English Cottage Garden from Lobster and Swan is a great example of a rustic garden. It’s a collection of mismatched, weathered plant pots arranged on an old stonewall.
06
Transform the City Terrace
Rustic garden ideas
Fantastic Frank
It’s not necessary to live in the country to achieve a rustic garden look. The city terrace of Fantastic Frank on the Spanish Island of Mallorca is transformed into a rustic, garden-like setting with a stone flooring and potted plants at different heights placed around the perimeter. This gives the impression of an overgrown backyard oasis. The contrast of comfortable indoor/outdoor furniture without taking away from the natural feeling is created by modern indoor/outdoor furniture.
07
Add hanging planter baskets
Rustic garden ideas
My 100-Year Old Home
This backyard garden, inspired by an English garden with its undone charm, is adorned with rustic wire hanging baskets filled with petunias and begonias.
08
Install a Bench
Rustic garden ideas
Emily Henderson Design / Sara Ligorria Tramp Photo
Install seating in your garden to allow others to admire the work you have done. For example, this rustic painted bench from Emily Henderson Design, which complements the architecture, is in the front yard.
Where to buy outdoor patio furniture in 2023?
09
Repurpose galvanized stock tanks
Rustic garden ideas
The Most Lovely Things
It is easy to add rustic touches to your garden by repurposing old or new industrial pieces. Most Lovely Things created this home garden using repurposed stock tanks that were filled with flower and herb seeds, tomato plants and herbs. This keeps the plantings protected from rabbits, but requires minimal weeding.
10
Add a Fountain
Rustic garden ideas
Fantastic Frank
This historic Spanish home by Fantastic Frank features a rustic patterned tile garden fountain, a pair ornate vintage metal chairs and a dreamy outdoor retreat. Vintage fountains in all styles and sizes are a great addition to any rustic garden. They can be functional or just decorative. Try a local architectural salvage business to find one.
11
Enjoy a meal in the herb garden
Rustic garden ideas
The Most Lovely Things
Blogger Annie Diamond from Most Lovely Things hosts dinners with a garden themed table, and dishes that highlight the bounty of the galvanized stock tank herbs garden in the back.
12
How to DIY weathered finish
Rustic garden ideas
My 100-Year Old Home
Weathered terracotta is an excellent way to give your garden a rustic look. If you don’t have access to them, you can add a weathered look to your new terracotta garden pots using garden lime.
13
Add Woodland Whimsy
Rustic garden ideas
Emily Henderson Design
Simple touches, such as adding a pair mushroom statuettes to the garden will add a rustic touch that will please kids of all ages.
14
Plant the Staircase
Rustic garden ideas
Thistlewood Farms
You can create a weathered appearance by layering vintage items and hurricane lanterns on your front staircase. This front staircase is from Thistlewood Farms.
15
Add a Backyard birdhouse
Rustic garden ideas
Becca Interiors Design
A two-story birdhouse in the same colors of the main house, painted by Becca Interiors along the Hudson River in New York, adds charm to the backyard and keeps feathered neighbors and friends happy.
