19 Types Of Gardens: Ideas For Every Space (With Pictures)

Confused about starting a garden? I’ll show you some of the most popular and unique types of gardens out there and what you should keep in mind before getting started.

We’ll explore everything from Vegetable Gardens, where you can grow your own fresh produce, to space-saving Vertical Gardens. And if you’re up for something a bit more challenging, we’ll look at Hydroponic Gardens and the beauty of Flower Gardens.

If you’re new to gardening, it’s not just about picking what you want to grow. It’s also about what works best for your available space and time.

But hey, that’s what I’m here for! This guide is designed to ease those worries and help you find a gardening style that fits you perfectly.

Vegetable & Specialty Gardens

Vegetable Gardens

A vegetable garden is like having a farm-to-table setup right at home. These gardens can range from small container gardens to larger raised beds or traditional in-ground rows.

They’re great if you want to enjoy fresh produce and have control over what goes into your food. Keep in mind, though, that vegetables need regular attention and the right seasonal conditions to thrive.

Start small to manage your workload and learn as you go. A few pots or a small raised bed can yield plenty of veggies without overwhelming you like a large backyard setup would.

Interplanting flowers among your vegetables, known as companion planting, can attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help keep pests at bay. For example, marigolds are not just pretty faces! They attract pests to them instead of your veggies.

Microgreen Gardens

Microgreen gardens are all about growing young, tender greens that pack a nutritional punch. These little guys are harvested just after their first leaves develop. They’re perfect for urban gardeners or anyone with limited space.

Microgreens are a quick crop, often ready to eat in just a couple of weeks, and can add a gourmet touch to meals. The challenge lies in providing consistent light and moisture without overwatering.

Keep your soil moist but never soggy to prevent mold – think of it as giving your microgreens a refreshing mist rather than a downpour.

Be sure to check out my comprehensive guide on “How To Grow Microgreens.” It’s perfect for beginners to help you create and maintain a thriving Microgreen Garden.

Container Gardens

Container gardens are the go-to for those with limited ground space or for adding versatility to any gardening area. You can grow different types of plants in pots, from flowers and herbs to small fruit trees.

This type of garden is ideal for patios, balconies, stairs, and even windowsills.

Containers make it easier to control soil quality and can be moved to optimize sunlight exposure. However, they require more frequent watering than in-ground plants, as pot soil tends to dry out faster.

Choose the right size container! Too small, you’ll stunt its growth, and too big, you risk waterlogging. Grouping your containers can create a microclimate. This little trick helps retain moisture and protect your plants from wind.

Herb Gardens

A herb garden is a dedicated space for growing aromatic plants used for cooking, keeping pests away, or simply for their pleasant scents. These gardens can be as compact as a few pots on the kitchen windowsill or as expansive as an outdoor plot with various species.

Herbs require less space than vegetables and are quite hardy, making them excellent for beginners. They need plenty of sunlight and a good well-draining soil to flourish. Some perennial herbs can become quite woody and may need regular pruning.

Harvest your herbs regularly so that you encourage new growth – snipping off those tasty leaves keeps the plant bushy and productive.

Many herbs like rosemary and lavender are perennials, meaning they’ll come back year after year, giving you more bang for your buck!

Window Box Gardens

Window box gardens are displays of greenery and blooms that sit right outside your window. They’re perfect for adding color to your home’s exterior and can also be enjoyed from the inside.

These gardens are suitable for a variety of plants, including flowers, herbs, and small vegetables. While they’re space-efficient and accessible, they need adequate drainage and do not cause water damage to your home’s siding.

Match your plant choices to the amount of sunlight your window box receives – some plants love the sun, while others prefer shadier spots.

Regular feeding is key in window box gardening since the limited soil can deplete nutrients quickly. A slow-release fertilizer can do wonders here.

Hanging Gardens

Hanging gardens are perfect for adding layers of greenery to your outdoor or indoor spaces. These gardens feature plants suspended in baskets or containers, making them ideal for areas where ground space is scarce.

They’re particularly popular for decorative foliage, vibrant flowers, and even some trailing vegetables and herbs.

While they offer an aesthetic boost and can be quite the space-saver, they do require diligent watering as they tend to dry out faster than their grounded counterparts.

Make sure that your hanging baskets are easily accessible to water and care for without too much hassle – nobody wants to play Tarzan!

Rotate your hanging baskets every few days to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure. This helps keep your plants growing evenly rather than leaning towards the sun.

Gardening Techniques

Hydroponic Gardens

Hydroponic gardens are a soil-free gardening solution where plants grow in nutrient-rich water and can use up to 90% less water than regular gardening because the closed system recycles water.

This high-tech option is fantastic for those who want to maximize space and efficiency, as it allows for faster plant growth and can be set up outdoors, but I think it is best indoors to prevent complications.

The lack of soil reduces pests and diseases, but the system requires a bit of a learning curve to manage water pH and nutrient levels.

Monitor your system daily at the start. Keeping an eye on water levels, pH balance, and nutrient mix will help you catch any issues early on.

Upside-Down Gardens

Upside-down gardens are a quirky and space-saving approach to gardening where plants grow out of the bottom of hanging containers. This method is often used for tomatoes, peppers, and other vining plants.

Plants grown upside down don’t have to fight gravity to grow upwards. This means they can put more energy into producing fruit, which is pretty neat!

It’s a conversation starter and can be particularly handy if you have limited space and still want to enjoy homegrown veggies. However, watering can be tricky, as gravity quickly pulls the water away from the roots.

Water more frequently than you would with traditional containers to ensure your upside-down plants stay hydrated. The trick is not to water too much and have water pouring out on the floor.

Be sure to check out my beginner’s guide to upside-down gardening.

Raised Bed Gardens

Raised bed gardens are like cozy beds for your plants, elevated above ground level and often framed with wood, stone, or concrete. They offer excellent drainage, improved soil conditions, and a barrier against some pests.

Raised beds heat up quickly in spring but can also dry out faster. Mulching is key here because it helps retain moisture and keeps those veggies happy during hot days.

They’re also back-friendly since you can control their height and reduce the need to bend over. On the flip side, they can require an initial investment to set up and may need more watering during dry spells.

Plan your raised bed layout with walking space in mind. You want to reach all plants comfortably without stepping into the raised bed and compacting the soil.

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are all about growing upwards instead of outwards, using wall-mounted planters, trellises, or even repurposed shelving.

This approach is perfect for homes with more wall space than ground space. You can grow various plants, including succulents, ferns, and vines.

The vertical setup can turn a bland wall into a lush tapestry of greenery. But remember, watering can be challenging, and not all plants are suited for vertical living.

Start with a small section to get the hang of it before you cover an entire wall because it’s easier to manage and less daunting.

Natural & Themed Gardens

No-Till Gardens

No-till gardening is a method where the soil is not disturbed by plowing or turning. Instead, you add layers of organic matter on top, such as compost and mulch, which naturally break down to enrich the soil.

This approach promotes a healthy ecosystem for microorganisms and worms that benefit plant growth.

It’s great for reducing erosion and keeping the soil structure intact. The challenge here is that it takes a lot of patience to build up fertile soil without tilling.

Layer your organic materials thickly to suppress weeds and reduce the need for watering – it’s like tucking your plants into bed with a cozy blanket.

Straw Bale Gardens

Straw bale gardens use straw bales as a growing medium for plants. It’s an innovative method where the bale itself becomes both container and soil.

This technique is perfect for gardeners looking to avoid bending over or dealing with poor soil conditions.

While they offer excellent drainage and a raised growing surface, they may dry out quickly and require consistent moisture.

Straw bales must be conditioned before planting, which involves soaking them and adding fertilizer to start decomposition. You’ll need to condition your straw bales over 10 to 12 days before planting to kickstart the internal composting process that feeds your plants.

Lasagna Gardens

Lasagna gardening, sometimes called sheet mulching, is a no-dig method that involves layering organic materials to create rich, fluffy soil over time. It’s a more specific type of no-till gardening.

Picture making a giant garden lasagna with layers of brown and green materials – brown for carbon-rich elements like dried leaves or shredded newspaper and green for nitrogen-rich materials like grass clippings or food scraps.

This type of garden is excellent for improving poor soil without tilling and is quite forgiving for beginners. The downside? It can take a season or two before the layers break down into plant-ready soil.

Begin your lasagna garden in the fall. By springtime, earthworms and microbes should have started to turn your “lasagna” into rich soil ready for planting.

You can plant directly into your lasagna garden by adding a little finished compost where you place each seedling. It’s like giving them their mini soil patch with extra nutrients and a good head-start for growth!

Keyhole Gardens

A keyhole garden is a circular raised garden bed with a wedge-shaped cutout for easy access to the center. At the heart of this design is a composting basket where kitchen scraps and yard waste are placed to decompose, thus feeding the surrounding plants.

This type of garden maximizes space and is highly efficient in water usage, making it ideal for arid climates or those looking to conserve water. The construction requires effort, but it’s low-maintenance and can produce abundant yields once established.

Build your keyhole garden with materials readily available to you. Recycled bricks or stones can work just as well as new ones.

The central composting basket nourishes your plants and acts as a built-in worm farm. As worms break down organic material, they create nutrient-rich castings that enhance soil fertility.

Decorative & Habitat Gardens

Flower Gardens

Flower gardens allow you to showcase nature’s palette through a variety of blooms and foliage. They range from formal designs with neatly arranged beds to imaginative cottage-style plantings.

Flower gardens can attract pollinators, add curb appeal, and provide cut flowers for your home. They require some planning regarding bloom times, color combinations, and consistent maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Choose low-maintenance flowers that are known to thrive in your planting zone because this will set you up for success with less fuss.

Deadheading spent flowers encourages plants to produce more blooms rather than setting seeds. While it takes some extra work, this will keep your garden looking vibrant all season long.

Rock Gardens

Rock or alpine gardens are rugged beauties that mimic high-altitude landscapes. They’re composed of various rocks and boulders with plants nestled in the crevices and pockets between stones.

Rock gardens can be a striking feature in your yard, but setting them up requires some heavy lifting and an eye for design to look natural.

Arrange your rocks before you plant. Once you’ve got them just right, tuck your plants into the spaces between. It’s easier than moving heavy stones around later and potentially damaging your plants.

My best tip is if you’re good with computers, take a photo of your rock garden and Photoshop flowers before planting to see how it will look.

Water Gardens

Water gardens are serene retreats that incorporate aquatic plants, fish, and other features like fountains or waterfalls. They can range from small container water gardens to large ponds.

These gardens create a habitat for wildlife and can be a peaceful focal point in your landscape. The sound of running water adds a relaxing ambiance.

However, they require upkeep to maintain water clarity and the health of the aquatic ecosystem.

For beginners, I recommend starting with a pre-formed pond kit to simplify the process. It’ll have everything you need to get going without figuring out all the components yourself.

Butterfly Gardens

Butterfly gardens are magical spaces designed to attract and support butterflies throughout their life cycle. These gardens are planted with a mix of host plants for caterpillars and nectar-rich flowers for adult butterflies.

The goal is to provide a habitat that includes food sources, shelter, and water.

While butterfly gardens can be great for your local ecosystem, they require some research to choose the right plants for your area’s native butterfly species.

Plant in clusters rather than single plants to create a more appealing target for butterflies – it’s like setting up a buffet rather than just a snack bar.

Butterflies need sun to warm their wings for flight, so place your garden in an area that gets plenty of sunlight in the morning. And a water source will help them quench their thirst.

Bee Gardens

Bee gardens are buzzing with activity, designed to attract and nourish our vital pollinator friends, the bees. These gardens are filled with a variety of flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season.

They’re beneficial for bee populations and bring life and beauty to your space. While creating a bee-friendly garden is rewarding, choosing plants that bloom at different times is important to provide a constant food source and avoid using pesticides that can harm bees.

Of course, if you or anyone living nearby is allergic to bees, it’s better to choose one of the other gardening options instead.

Provide a shallow water source for bees to drink from. A small dish with pebbles or marbles partially filled with water will do the trick. Keep it out of the sun to avoid excess evaporation.

Bees have good color vision, so planting flowers in shades of blue, purple, white, and yellow can help attract more bees to your garden.