The Retreat

Calm, enclosed, restorative

A private sanctuary from the world. Soft planting, enclosed spaces, and a sense of being removed. This garden is designed for quiet contemplation, reading, and restoration-not performance.

The Philosophy

In a world of constant connection and noise, the Retreat garden offers something rare: true privacy. This is a space designed to help you decompress, to create a boundary between your inner life and the outer world.

The design prioritizes enclosure and atmosphere over open space. We create layers of planting that screen neighbors and traffic, and design intimate spaces that feel protected and calm. The result is a garden that feels like a exhale.

Key Features

Enclosing Boundaries

Multi-layered boundary planting-trees, shrubs, and climbers-that creates privacy from neighboring windows and gardens.

Secluded Seating

A hidden seating area tucked into the garden, away from the house and view from windows. A place for solitude.

Sound Masking

A gentle water feature-trickle or bubble rather than cascade-to mask traffic and neighbor noise with soothing sound.

Dappled Shade

Canopy trees and climbing plants that create filtered light rather than harsh sun-cool, calm, and protective.

Green Tunnel Entry

An arbor or archway covered in climbing plants that marks the transition from house to garden-like entering another world.

Scent Garden

Plants chosen for fragrance-roses, jasmine, philadelphus-creating an immersive sensory experience that quiets the mind.

The Planting Palette

The Retreat garden uses a soft, green-dominated palette with touches of white and pale pink. The goal is restfulness-no jarring colors or demanding displays.

Enclosure Layer

Evergreen screening - Bamboo, laurel, or yew for year-round privacy
Deciduous trees - Birch, amelanchier, or crab apple for dappled shade and seasonal interest
Climbing hydrangea - Self-clinging, dense coverage for walls and fences

Underplanting Layers

Ferns - Soft, prehistoric calm. Dryopteris, polystichum, and matteuccia
Hostas - Lush foliage in shade, varied textures and sizes
Japanese anemones - Late summer white and pale pink flowers
Astilbes - Soft plumes in moist shade

Fragrance Collection

Old roses - 'Madame Alfred Carrière', 'New Dawn' for scent and romance
Winter honeysuckle - January fragrance when you need it most
Night-scented plants - Nicotiana, evening primrose for dusk perfume
Philadelphus - Mock orange-intoxicating in early summer

Layout Principles

The Retreat garden is organized as a journey into quiet:

Zone 1: The Threshold

Near the house, a covered transition-pergola, arch, or dense planting-that signals the shift from domestic to retreat space. You don't step directly into the garden; you pass through a portal.

Zone 2: The Green Room

A small clearing surrounded by tall planting on all sides. This is your main seating area-hidden from the house, enclosed by greenery, feeling miles from anywhere.

Zone 3: The Meandering Path

A winding path through planting-not to get anywhere specific, but to encourage slow movement and attention to small details. Maybe a bench at the end for contemplation.

Zone 4: The Secret Corner

A tiny space for one-just a chair tucked against a wall, surrounded by scent. The most private spot in the garden, discovered rather than obvious.

Maintenance Level

Moderate to High. A lush, layered garden requires attention to keep it looking intentional rather than overgrown. But the work is contemplative-pruning, deadheading, and tending rather than demanding construction or renovation.

The design rewards ongoing attention. As plants mature and layers fill in, the garden becomes more enclosed and peaceful. This is a garden for people who find maintenance meditative.

Ready to Create Your Retreat?

This design adapts to your space, privacy needs, and preferred level of enclosure. We'll adjust screening heights, seating positions, and planting density to create your perfect sanctuary.

Start Your Design