Become a Garden Maximalist

Nature can be brutal, pretty much adhering to the Darwinist philosophy ‘survival of the fittest,’ but it doesn’t skimp. In the teeming jungles of Costa Rica, orchids can be seen festooning vines, and lush carpets of greenery are slashed by dramatic waterfalls. 

In the arena of home décor, minimalism may hold sway, but in the garden, it’s thrown out the window. Think a field of dahlias grown to monstrous proportions, mutated foxgloves unfurling to snatch up unsuspecting insects, and dense vines of morning glories – all vying for attention. In a maximalist garden, the weird and wacky reign in technicolor profusion, creating a place filled with life and color. 

What is the Concept of Maximalism?  

In both art and design, there are few rules to maximalism – the very concept itself is a rejection of the strictures of society. Maximalism emphasizes the excess as a way of personal self-expression. Indulgence is encouraged, yet there’s also anti-establishment overtones, affirming the beauty in chaos. Still, there’s a line between tacky and tasteful, and it’s important to present a cohesive balance that remains pleasing to the eye. 

If the nihilist black hole created by Nietzsche is the bad boy of philosophy, then maximalism is its bickering cousin, the free-spirited rebel that seeks to fill the desolate void the Second World War left in its wake. If your hair is mermaid green or you regularly wear pink, then you’ll love a maximalist garden, though even someone like Wednesday Addams can appreciate its fey nature.  

Key Features of Maximalist Design in Landscaping:       

• Overgrown hedges punctuated by neat bulbs that help divide space 
• A profusion of color filled with bold and weird plantings 
• Trellises that provide sculptural appeal for voluminous flowering vines and vegetables 
• Funky planters and glass mosaics to add unexpected color 
• Leafy or layered pockets of color that often combine mixed garden styles 
• Eclectic or bohemian decorative elements  

 

1. Grow Weird and Wonderful Flowers  

Weird and wondrous flowers not only are welcomed in a maximalist garden, but they often make it magical: gaudy, gothic sunflowers so large that they form pom-poms (look for Teddy Bear sunflowers); mutated peloric foxgloves that seem like a psychedelic trip down the rabbit hole; roses so dark that they appear black. Cultivate unusual strains of flowers that you’d not normally see in a garden – basically anything goes.  

 

2. Utilize Arched Trellises for a Relaxing Vegetable Garden 

Even a vegetable garden can be ‘maximalist’ with the help of trellises. While there are many types of trellises, arched or tunnel trellises are the preferred options for vegetables. The arched framework provides a perfect setting for tomatoes and grapes to dangle in a mouth-watering spectacle, and it’s also cool to look at. Round out the display by planting leafy lettuces and herbs underneath, and consider adding delicate orchids or roses nearby. 

Build a trellis near your patio so it can lead your vegetables straight to your plate, or install wooden benches beneath it for a cozy spot to relax. For a luxuriant garden that delights both people and wildlife, follow the French tradition of a potager garden, where herbs, vegetables, and flowers intermingle in dazzling exuberance. 

 

3. Create Mini Maximalist Gardens   

Raised beds can be used to create elevated platforms that pop with color without transforming the rest of the yard into a flamboyant extravaganza. What’s more is that they look good even when the garden is bare – an instance where less is more. They’re also portable, allowing you to wheel them around the patio or even inside during times of inclement weather. In addition to garden beds, look for beautiful containers with eclectic styles that can lend an air of whimsy to the garden. Fill raised beds with oversized blooms and large flowering shrubs for large impact; sculpted topiaries can also generate amazement in a small space.

 

4. Interweave Different Garden Styles   

Companion planting, complementary colors, layering and are all utilized to create a textural tapestry that teems with color at its height. It’s important to consider bloom times for continuous color, and depending on your plant choice, intermixing different garden themes together can help. One area may be punctuated by lush calla lilies and elephant ears while another contains cottage-like larkspur and dahlias. Exotic cultivars are grown alongside robust native plants for an intriguing tonal contrast. Taller plants and fruit trees serve as the architectural backdrop against which groundcovers and low-lying perennials stand out. 

 

5. Add Whimsical Light Sources 

Maximalism doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Enjoy your evening stroll to the fullest with a little light to illuminate the way. Tired of your lights falling down on you? With magnetic backs that attach easily to Vego Garden Beds and won’t fall off, these solar lights give off soft, diffused light at night for a calming effect. Whether you’re preparing for an outdoor BBQ or seeking some peace, charming night sources can put a maximalist spin that ties everything together. 

 

6. Maximize Your Garden’s Beauty   

Some flowers caper onstage for one brief, shining moment before they are ousted, which is why it’s important to always plant for seasonal interest. In early summer, epimediums come alive with their fairy-like blooms, yet remain barren for the rest of the year. Late season fall flowers can fill the gap following a lineup of annuals. Choose plants that serve multiple purposes, such lavender for fragrance and color-changing shrubs that still remain bright even after they’ve shed their berries. Night-blooming flowers that unfurl by the light of the moon can appeal to those that crave enchantment in the twilight hours.   

7. Go Big or Go Home 

If you’ve got the money to splurge, why not go all out? From tented balconies to lavishly tiled pools, big-budget purchases can take your garden from bereft to beautiful. Oriental designs and pillows are piled high to create comfy bubbles of peace while crystal chandeliers and intricate glassware serve to elevate the status. And even if you’re pressed for cash, second-hand furniture can be just as functional and aesthetic as newer pieces, and can be bought for cheap at antique shops.