decade garden inspiration
Have you ever felt a nostalgic pull toward a bygone era? Each decade carries its unique aesthetic, values, and spirit. While we can’t physically travel back in time, we can infuse our gardens with the charm and character of popular periods. At Monrovia, pioneers in plant propagation and landscape design for over a century, they’ve recognized this desire. Their “Shades of Beautiful” collection offers 10 stunning planting palettes, each echoing the garden excitement of a different century. Incorporating these historically-inspired colors and plants into your landscape brings the essence of the past into the present, creating a cohesive and personally meaningful outdoor space. This exploration delves into seven distinct decades, revealing how their unique cultural influences shaped garden design and offering practical ideas for recreating those looks in your own backyard.
1920s: The Gilded Garden
In France, the 1920s are fondly remembered as the “Années Folles,” a period of immense cultural and artistic dynamism. In the United States, this era is known as the “Roaring Twenties,” a time of economic prosperity following World War I, marked by flourishing jazz music and transformative fashion – think flapper dresses and bobbed hair. The Art Deco movement, with its geometric patterns and luxurious materials, profoundly influenced garden design. To capture the spirit of this decade, consider incorporating the principles of Art Deco into your landscape. This translates to symmetry, bold lines, and a touch of opulence. Take inspiration from lush, over-the-top roses like the ‘Eau de Parfum Bubbly’ rose from Monrovia, which evokes the era’s celebratory atmosphere. Complement these with silver-leafed plants such as senecio, deep purple ninebark shrubs, and pretty pink hydrangeas to create a truly gilded garden. These plants offer a textural contrast and a sophisticated color palette reminiscent of the Jazz Age. For a touch of dramatic flair, consider adding ornamental grasses like feather reed grass, which adds movement and a sense of airy elegance. The 1920s garden wasn’t about stark minimalism; it was about abundance and visual richness.
1930s: Off to See the Wizard
Do you recall the magic of The Wizard of Oz? For many, this iconic film, which gained widespread popularity in the 1930s, conjures images of a vibrant and fantastical world. A 1930s garden palette beautifully captures the journey Dorothy takes from the sepia tones of Kansas to the colorful landscapes of Oz. This decade emphasized practical yet aesthetically pleasing plantings, often featuring foliage plants that echoed the look and feel of Dorothy’s home on the Kansas prairie. Golden feather reed grass, with its warm, sun-kissed plumes, evokes the vastness of the prairie. Sweet bay and dwarf olives, boasting emerald green foliage, represent the jewel-toned city of Oz. To add a vibrant pop of color, incorporate a ‘Sombrero Salsa Red’ coneflower from Burpee, a direct nod to Dorothy’s ruby slippers. You can even plant some poppy seeds from Amazon as a playful homage to her dramatic journey through the field of poppies. A 1930s garden was about resilience and a touch of whimsical escapism, reflecting the era’s spirit of hope amidst economic hardship. Many gardens of this period prioritized drought-tolerant plants, a practical consideration during the Dust Bowl era.
1940s: Victory Garden
The 1940s were largely defined by World War II, and many gardens of this era were dedicated Victory Gardens. During this time, home gardeners were strongly encouraged to cultivate crops to ensure a sufficient food supply for both those at home and soldiers overseas. Initially termed Liberty Gardens, the name was later changed to Victory Gardens as the Allied forces gained ground. A beautiful 1940s-inspired garden is a powerful reminder of shared purpose and self-sufficiency. These gardens were practical, filled with plants that produced abundant fruit and bold blooms that added a patriotic touch. Consider planting blueberry shrubs, fig trees, and fragrant evergreen herbs like rosemary for both flavor and ornamental value. These plants were chosen for their productivity and ability to withstand challenging conditions. A classic red ‘Knock Out’ rose bush from Home Depot adds a touch of American beauty and symbolizes resilience. The 1940s garden wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about contributing to the war effort and fostering a sense of community. Many communities established communal gardens, further emphasizing the theme of shared responsibility.
1950s: Poodle Skirts & Palm Trees
The 1950s ushered in an era of optimism, consumerism, and a distinct aesthetic characterized by poodle skirts and the rise of suburban living. Think of the iconic imagery of drive-in movies, sock hops, and the burgeoning car culture. Landscape design during this decade reflected this newfound affluence and a desire for leisure. The landscape design vision for this era included happy, surfside hues and a focus on creating inviting outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment. Incorporate plants that evoke a California cool vibe, such as California poppies, which bring bright bursts of sunshine. Palm trees, a quintessential symbol of the era, add a touch of exoticism. Ornamental grasses, like Japanese blood grass, provide texture and movement. Consider planting flowering shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons for vibrant color. The 1950s garden was about creating a welcoming and stylish outdoor retreat, often with a focus on low-maintenance plantings. The rise of lawn care also became prominent during this decade, with meticulously manicured lawns becoming a hallmark of suburban landscapes.
1960s: Peace, Love & Pollinators
The 1960s were a time of significant social change, characterized by peace movements, counterculture, and a renewed appreciation for nature. The “flower power” movement and a growing awareness of environmental issues profoundly influenced garden design. This decade saw a shift towards more informal and naturalistic plantings, with a focus on attracting pollinators. Incorporate plants that were favored during this era, such as cosmos, zinnias, and sunflowers, which bring vibrant colors and attract butterflies and bees. These cheerful blooms reflect the optimistic and free-spirited atmosphere of the decade. Native plants, which were gaining popularity, were also favored for their ability to support local ecosystems. Consider adding a herb garden, reflecting the era’s interest in natural remedies and holistic living. The 1960s garden was about expressing individuality and celebrating the beauty of the natural world. It was a departure from the formal gardens of previous eras, embracing a more relaxed and ecologically conscious approach.
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1970s: Earth Tones & Cottage Charm
The 1970s brought a shift towards earth tones, natural materials, and a more relaxed, bohemian aesthetic. Influenced by the hippie movement and a growing interest in sustainability, gardens of this era embraced a more informal and naturalistic style. Think of shag rugs, macrame, and a general embrace of natural textures. Garden palettes often featured warm earth tones like browns, oranges, and yellows, reflecting the decade’s connection to the earth. Incorporate plants with textured foliage, such as lamb’s ear and ornamental grasses, to create visual interest. Cottage gardens, with their informal layouts and mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, were also popular. Consider planting lavender, rosemary, and thyme, which were frequently used in culinary and aromatherapy applications. The 1970s garden was about creating a cozy and inviting outdoor space, often with a focus on self-sufficiency and a connection to nature. The emphasis was on creating a relaxed and unstructured environment, reflecting the decade’s laid-back attitude.
1980s: Bold Colors & Formal Structure
The 1980s were a decade of bold colors, power dressing, and a renewed interest in formal structure. Landscape design reflected this trend with a focus on symmetry, geometric shapes, and vibrant hues. Think of neon colors, geometric patterns, and a sense of opulence. Gardens of this era often featured precisely manicured hedges, symmetrical planting beds, and bold splashes of color. Consider incorporating plants with strong, architectural forms, such as yews and boxwoods, to create a sense of formality. Brightly colored annuals, like petunias and impatiens, were used to add pops of vibrancy. While some gardens embraced a more formal aesthetic, there was also a growing interest in creating outdoor spaces for recreation and entertainment. The 1980s garden was about making a statement, reflecting the decade’s emphasis on success and outward appearance. It was a departure from the more relaxed styles of the previous decade, embracing a more structured and visually striking approach.
Bringing a touch of a past decade to your garden can be a delightful way to personalize your outdoor space and infuse it with character. By understanding the key aesthetic elements and plant choices of each era, you can create a landscape that reflects your personal style and celebrates the history of garden design. Whether you’re drawn to the gilded elegance of the 1920s, the whimsical charm of the 1930s, or the vibrant energy of the 1960s, there’s a decade waiting to inspire your next gardening project. Consider consulting with a local landscape designer to help you bring your vision to life, ensuring that your garden is both beautiful and sustainable. The enduring appeal of these historical styles lies in their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and create a connection to the past, making your garden a truly unique and meaningful space.
