Hygge Garden: How To Embrace The Cozy In Your Outdoor Space

July 12, 2024
Landscape Design, Lawn Care & Gardening, Our Work, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living, Plant Guides, Project Ideas, Purchasing Tips, Residential Landscapes

Hey there, garden enthusiasts! Ever heard of “hygge”? (Do you even know how to pronounce it?? We didn’t either).

“Hoo-gah” is a Danish word meaning “coziness.” It’s about making a warm, inviting atmosphere. Think comfy sweaters, hot cocoa, and the soft glow of candlelight.

But did you know you can bring that same cozy vibe to your garden? Let’s dive into the delightful world of hygge gardens and learn how to transform your outdoor space into a comfortable oasis.

What Is A Hygge Garden?

A hygge garden isn’t only about plants; it’s a peaceful outdoor space that brings relaxation and a bit of nature’s magic. Imagine stepping into a garden that feels like a warm hug – that’s the essence of hygge. Creating a space where you can unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life is what it’s about.

Key Elements Of A Hygge Garden

1. Cozy Seating Areas

First things first: outdoor furniture. You’ll need a comfy spot to sit and soak in all the garden goodness. Think hammocks, swing chairs, coffee table or a rustic wooden bench with plenty of plush throw pillows. Add some blankets for those cooler evenings – nothing says hygge like snuggling up under the stars.

2. Soft Lighting

Ditch the harsh, pre-installed floodlights that came with the house and opt for gentle, ambient lighting. Fairy lights, lanterns, and solar-powered garden lights can create a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere. Let’s not forget candles! Whether they’re real or LED, candles add a warm, flickering glow that’s perfect for setting the mood.

Check out some of the new, flickering, battery-operated candles out there! They can be a great option around kids, pets, or that one accident-prone friend.

For an extra touch of artistic lighting that brings your hygge garden to life, our lighting experts are here to help!

Whether you want to highlight your favorite plants, create a serene glow around your seating area, or add some drama with pathway lights, Timberline Landscaping’s outdoor lighting team can design the perfect setup for you.

3. Natural Elements

Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and wicker to keep the vibe earthy and grounded. A wooden pergola or a stone pathway can add texture and interest, making your garden feel more like an extension of your home.

4. Lush Greenery

A hygge garden should be bursting with life. Fill your space with a mix of plants – from towering trees to delicate flowers. Think layers: tall shrubs and trees for structure, mid-level plants for depth, and ground covers for a lush carpet effect.

Don’t forget the herbs! Lavender, rosemary, and mint are not only fragrant but also add a sensory delight.

5. Water Features

The sound of trickling water is incredibly soothing and can instantly elevate the hygge factor in your garden. Adding a water feature like a fountain or birdbath can create a peaceful atmosphere with calming nature sounds.

6. Fire Pit Fun

Nothing says hygge like gathering around a fire pit with friends and family. Perfect for chilly nights, toasting marshmallows, and sharing stories. Plus, it adds a rustic charm and a central gathering spot in your garden.

Plants That Bring Hygge To your Outdoor Space

To create the cozy, hygge effect in your Colorado outdoor space—where comfort, warmth, and nature blend into a serene and inviting environment—you’ll want plants that thrive in Colorado’s unique climate and embody the essence of simplicity and natural beauty.

Here’s a guide to trees, shrubs, mid-level plants, flowers, herbs, and ground coverings that can help you bring that Danish-inspired coziness to life:

Trees

Aspen:

Nothing says Colorado like the iconic aspen tree. With its white bark and golden fall foliage, it adds a magical touch to any Hygge-inspired landscape.

Blue Spruce:

The Colorado state tree offers a majestic, evergreen presence. Its blue-gray needles create a year-round backdrop, perfect for cozying up next to in the winter months.

Japanese Maple:

While slightly finicky, with proper care, the Japanese Maple’s delicate, fiery foliage brings warmth and a calming presence.

Shrubs

Serviceberry:

This native shrub offers showy white flowers in spring, followed by berries and fiery red foliage in the fall. Great for naturalizing your space and bringing wildlife like birds into your yard.

Mountain Mahogany:

A hardy evergreen shrub that looks elegant year-round with its fine, leathery leaves and rustic, twisting branches. The silvery seedheads give a soft glow in the sunlight, adding to the Hygge vibe.

Ninebark:

This hardy shrub offers rich, colorful foliage, peeling bark for winter interest, and clusters of pink or white flowers in spring. Perfect for year-round beauty in your cozy Colorado garden.

Mid-Level Plants

Lavender:

Lavender is a staple for any Hygge garden. It’s aromatic, calming, and adds a soft purple hue, perfect for a tranquil, cottage-like setting. Plus, it’s hardy enough to withstand Colorado’s dry climate.

Russian Sage:

With its silver-gray foliage and blue-purple flowers, Russian Sage adds a dreamy, ethereal quality to your garden.

Yarrow:

This resilient plant has fern-like leaves and clusters of small flowers that add texture and interest, making it perfect for an effortless and natural garden aesthetic.

Flowers

Coneflower:

These hardy perennials are low-maintenance and come in soft, inviting colors like pink, purple, and white—perfect for that cozy Hygge feel.

Columbine:

Colorado’s state flower is an excellent choice for adding a touch of whimsy to your space. The unique, delicate blooms are sure to bring a bit of magic.

Black-Eyed Susan:

These bright, cheery flowers contrast nicely with darker foliage, bringing a pop of warmth.

Herbs

Oregano:

A hardy, drought-tolerant herb perfect for Colorado gardens. Its aromatic leaves are great for cooking, and its small purple flowers attract pollinators, adding both beauty and function to your outdoor space.

Sage:

Sage adds both silvery foliage and savory fragrance. Its muted color palette fits the neutral, cozy tones of a Hygge space.

Mint:

Easy to grow and fragrant, mint adds a refreshing note to your outdoor Hygge escape. Just make sure to contain it, as it can spread quickly!

Ground Covering Plants

Creeping Thyme:

A great choice for in-between stones or covering large areas, its soft, green carpet-like growth is ideal for barefoot strolls, adding a Hygge-friendly texture.

Sedum:

This succulent-like plant provides year-round interest and can survive droughts with ease. Its muted tones and minimal care needs align perfectly with Hygge simplicity.

Snow-in-Summer:

This low-growing ground cover produces a blanket of white blooms in early summer, mimicking the soft coziness of a Hygge space.

Tips For A Year-Round Hygge Garden

Seasonal Decor:

Swap out cushions, blankets, and decorations to reflect the changing seasons. Think autumn leaves, winter pinecones, spring and summer flowers.

All-Weather Furniture:

Invest in weather-resistant furniture to keep your garden looking fresh all year long.

Layer Up:

Using layers of plants, textiles, and lighting to create depth and interest, no matter the season.

Get Your Hygge On!

Creating a hygge garden is all about embracing coziness and finding joy in the simple pleasures of outdoor living. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a tiny balcony, you can infuse your space with that warm, inviting vibe. So, grab a cup of tea, put on your coziest sweater, and start planning your ultimate hygge garden oasis. Happy gardening!

If you need help or advice, the Timberline Landscaping team is here to help you create your dream garden. Stay cozy, folks!