Who doesnt imagine sitting in the sun in beautiful lush surroundings, with gorgeous scented plants to relax by and to create a sense of enclosure and seclusion. You can achieve this more successfully with a mixture of heights, texture, colour and form. I have made some suggestions below but this is the tip of the iceberg really, it just depends on the look and feeling you are trying to create.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or Dwarf Hebe provide year-round structure. Ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuissima add a soft, airy feel and climbers like Clematis or Jasmine can be trained over pergolas or trellises for added privacy.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) release a lovely aroma when brushed against and Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) fills the air with a sweet summer scent. For the extra hardy amongst us Daphne odora is a great winter-flowering option with an incredible fragrance if you happen to want to sit outside in the winter!
Attracting bees and butterflies adds life to your seating area will certainly aid pollination but be careful how close you plant them if you cant tolerate the buzz of a bee or wasp. Plants that encourage these vital critters are:
Salvia, Echinacea, and Buddleia, be sure to keep your Buddleja in check or go for one of the smaller low growing varieties like Blue Chip. Alliums and Nepeta (Catmint) provide long-lasting colour with minimal input, you can probably get two lots of flowers from Nepeta if you chop it back towards the end of the summer.
Keep your seating area vibrant throughout the year:
Spring: Tulips, Primroses, and Forsythia for early colour.
Summer: Roses, Hydrangeas, and Agapanthus for bold blooms.
Autumn: Japanese Maple (Acer) and Sedum for warm, rich tones.
Winter: Hellebores and Snowdrops to brighten up colder months
Greenery can be just as striking as flowers and in fact you can really create some drama with big bold foliage plants, dont be afraid to go large, even in a small space, you could create a jungle or tropical feel with Ferns and Hostas, while Heuchera will thrive in shady corners. Ferns in particular will give you this feel, some are evergreen too so will extend your season or you could invest in a beautiful tree fern (Dicksonia) but this will almost certainly need wrapping for the winter.
Bamboo (Fargesia) adds height and a gentle rustling sound in the breeze, be warned though, if you plant the wrong variety in the ground it can become an absolute nightmare and is hard to dig out. Consider a clump forming variety like Fargesia Black Pearl but do your research as some can need a little protection from the depths of winter.
By carefully choosing plants that complement your seating area, you can create a stylish and relaxing space that feels like an extension of your home. Whether you prefer a lush, flower-filled sanctuary or a sleek, minimalist retreat, there’s a perfect plant combination for you.
Need help designing your dream garden seating area? Get in touch—we’d love to help! 🌿😊