February 7, 2026
Jane Powell
The outside temperature may be chilly, and the ground may be covered in snow, but romance is in the air.
Oh, of course, a warm fire and cozy lighting create indoor romance – but now is the time to plan for romance in the garden.
Begin by creating an entrance. Allow visitors to mark their arrival by crossing into the garden space. Plan for the entryway to be deep enough that it takes a few steps to walk through. The anticipation of what’s to come is exciting. A wooden gate, an opening through shrubs, or simply a pathway pause marked by planters can serve as the doorway to the garden.
Once you have captured the visitor’s attention, work to engage their senses.
A fragrant rose, a border of rosemary, or lavender will waft through the walkway. Pick the plant and fragrance that works for your space. I like roses, and so do the deer. I learned this lesson early and decided not to fight them. I have containers of mint near my gate and lavender near a lower-level set of stairs. I also have a young lilac bush that I hope will mature and fill the air with that familiar aroma when it blooms.
Springtime brings the big blooms of peonies. Their soft colors, with ruffled, scalloped petals, give the garden a soft, easy feel. One peony bush is nice, three or more are divine.
Less variety and larger planting of the same variety can create a feeling of lush abundance. Think banks of ferns and masses of foxgloves to add romance.
While I love a country garden with mixed flowers filling garden beds, I am drawn to the calmness of seeing and feeling the repetition of plants.
Repetition or mass plantings do not mean boring. The larger groups can be layered with containers of coordinating bulbs and annuals.
If your garden has the space, consider adding a tree, but choose wisely. Trees are a long-term investment of care and landscape space. Use trees or tall shrubs to frame a view or provide shade. The beautiful Japanese maple with its cascading blooms will add a delicate structure to any landscape.
To counter the big bouncy blooms, try adding a structure with an obelisk, lattice panels, or metal art. These clean lines will keep the design fresh and interesting.
Depending on the size and layout of your garden space, you may add a potting shed or greenhouse. The potting shed can be basic and very functional or dreamy and designed more for escape than serious gardening.
Who can forget the beautiful greenhouse lit with moonlight in The Sound of Music? It’s pure movie magic as Captain Von Trapp sings to Maria. Even after all these years, my heart swoons during this scene.
We can’t all have a Hollywood garden or one set in the hills of Austria, but we can all create a space that we want to share with others. That might include a romantic walk through a fragrant garden, or it might be a container of geraniums and twinkle lights on a deck, both are good. The idea is to create a space that is special to you, and if that includes a goodnight kiss in the garden, even better.