Create your own Regency Style garden

You don’t need to be an expert in period dramas to admire the elegant and luxurious gardens seen in Bridgerton.

Showcasing the Regencycore aesthetic, almost every scene highlights grand country estates with ornamental topiaries, striking borders, extravagant water features, and stunning floral displays.

Bridgerton’s garden scenes are filmed in its third season at historic locations like Hatfield House, Painshill Park, and Windsor Great Park. For the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show, Netflix will unveil the Bridgerton Garden, designed by Holly Johnston, capturing Penelope Featherington’s journey. This garden will boast a moon gate, water feature, sunken seating area, and whimsical planting to create a natural, informal atmosphere.

When people think of Bridgerton, the romantic ambience created by its picturesque settings often comes to mind. The climbing wisterias, grand fountains, impeccably manicured shrubs, and opulent rose displays typical of Regency-style gardens set the stage for high society events such as promenades, balls, and garden parties.

Recreating these exquisite landscapes on a smaller scale might seem daunting, but we’re here to help. Lady Whistledown and the Ton would undoubtedly be impressed!

Here’s how to bring the Bridgerton garden trends to your outdoor space this spring and summer, embracing both romance and elegance.

CLIMBING PLANTS

The curb appeal of the Bridgerton family house, adorned with climbing wisteria, is unmatched. Following the first season in December 2020, Primrose reported a 400% increase in searches for ‘Amethyst wisteria.’

Alternatively, consider roses or clematis montana to enhance various structures. Grow these plants on a pergola, trellis, wall, or fence to add drama and height to your garden, evoking the romance and elegance of the series. Train these climbers by gently tying them to supports with plant ties and regularly pruning to encourage upward growth.

COLOURFUL PLANTING

Whites, pinks, purples, and blues capture the Regency era, but with Penelope in the spotlight for season three, bold citrus shades seen in the Featherington household are more appropriate. Reds, oranges, and pinks will be popular this spring, reflecting Penelope’s growth and budding romance.

Choose summer-flowering bulbs like dahlias, begonias, lilies, and gladioli to achieve this vibrant palette. Cottage garden plants are also ideal for the Regency look, with hardy annuals like nigella, Centaurea, and calendula adding bursts of colour when grouped. Roses add a romantic touch, helping your garden mirror the beautiful spaces seen in the show.

PLEASING PERGOLAS

Imagine enjoying high tea under a pergola after a leisurely walk through the gardens. While follies are common in Bridgerton’s garden sets, a pergola offers similar extravagance. Adorned with climbing plants, it adds grandeur and provides a perfect spot for a summer soirée.

If space is limited, create height by grouping potted plants of various sizes and colours on a raised display.

SOCIALISING AREA

Country-style furniture fits perfectly with the Regencycore theme of a Bridgerton-inspired garden. Opt for refined pieces with ornate details and elegant curves for a regal charm. Seating is essential, so include table sets for alfresco dining and garden sofas for relaxation. Intricate metal garden furniture exudes effortless elegance.

CREATIVE SHRUBBERY

The ornamental topiary gardens in Bridgerton are spectacular, with shapely sculptures being a key feature of Regency-style gardens. Topiary, the art of trimming trees and shrubs into specific shapes, adds grandeur but requires practice to perfect.

Cones and balls are the easiest shapes to create and maintain. For minimal upkeep, use potted topiary plants in clear geometric shapes to section off garden zones. Alternatively, give your shrubs a neat trim for clean lines.

SECLUDED SEATING AREA

A garden room can serve as a luxurious focal point for your outdoor space, perfect for stylish soirées. If space is limited, a small gazebo in a garden corner can create a perfect sanctuary and offer year-round appeal.

A budget-friendly option is to carve out a seating area. A garden corner and an arbour can create a secluded space, which you can enhance with climbing plants.

Another affordable choice is a canopy. A small pop-up gazebo or canopy creates a perfect social space for guests during the spring and summer months. Look for cream or pinstripe-patterned products with fringing to create a romantic ambience. Avoid harsh colours or dark tones, opting for pastel or neutral palettes to align with the Regency style.

FOUNTAINS

A grand water fountain is essential for a Bridgerton-style garden. Water features serve as pivotal focal points and provide the added benefit of soothing, calming water sounds.

Even a small circular pond with a single-tier, Regency-style stone fountain can bring a touch of serenity and elegance to any garden.

GARDEN PATHS

A well-defined path is essential for any decent promenade. Choose a path that creates atmosphere and leads the eye through your garden, encouraging you to linger on focal points such as fountains, topiary, or colourful beds.

Consider pathways to different zones, like your garden room. The choice of materials is personal. Gravel can contrast nicely with timber, especially chippings, but it tends to migrate with high foot traffic. Flagstone paving creates pathways leading to pavilions, drawing visitors’ eyes to garden showpieces.

DETAILS

Styling is key to creating a romantic garden setup worthy of any Bridgerton set. Use accessories that capture the essence of the Regency era for finishing touches. Delicate bird feeders, vintage-inspired shelves, and terracotta pots can elevate your garden.

Use a combination of large and small terracotta pots to create drama and frame areas like steps, doors, and seating spaces for visual interest. Terracotta pots with ornate detailing further enhance the Regency
garden style.