Your secret garden
People have been fascinated for centuries with the idea of having a secret garden—a place they could hide away from the world. They would come on it unexpectedly and be enthralled with the spot. There might be a secret door that only you could find.
But this doesn’t have to be a pretty notion. You could create this space with a little ingenuity and imagination. It would be there for you when you’re stressed out or just want to get away without going away, as is so often the case these days.
The garden would probably be small for most people with a variety of things inside from comfortable chairs to fountains and perhaps a place to cook a meal. Your favorite things could be here, items you scoured shops and antique stores for.
People try to create this idea with gazebos but it can be difficult since they sometimes blow away or simply fall apart. Why not create something living that grows and changes as you change, something that won’t blow away? Of course you would have to take care of this secret garden but that would be part of the fun.
Most people don’t have a set up where they can have a garden within their homes but you can create a small space outside a door that isn’t used often or even just at one corner of the house that is in a secluded spot. Maybe there’s a little nook tucked away at the base of an old weeping willow tree that you always thought was perfect for something like this. Or maybe you could enclose an area you’re already fond of in your yard.
Some people might think to use fast growing trees for sheltering this space from the world but really any kind of fencing and fast growing vines would make this a reality much sooner. You could use a fence made of wood, wire, or cloth to make the walls of your secret garden. You could even use an awning for protection from the sun. Trellis panels would work too for top and bottom.
As for vines that would grow quickly, protect your secret garden from prying eyes and look nice, consider morning glories. moonflowers, climbing roses would be nice too. Honeysuckle would smell heavenly while you spend time in your secret garden. Consider scents as well when thinking about your vines.
Pots of flowers seem to me like they would be nice in this environment. Maybe some cute pots full of geraniums next to a tinkling water fountain. Some herbs would be good here too—rosemary and sweet lavender.
Maybe you’d like to add a hammock, a chaise with a table for lemonade on a hot day. Consider some favorite statuary, maybe even some lighting so you could enjoy your secret garden at night. Sip coffee in the morning here or drink a glass of wine and read a book before bed. Anything is possible!
Of course, all good things must come to an end. Winter would put an end to this romantic place that is straight out of imagination. Or would it?
You might want to consider making that wall a little sturdier over the cold months, still enjoying your privacy on warmer days. A nice romantic brick wall might be just the ticket to add seclusion once the vines have died away.
There are endless possibilities for creating this private little world for yourself. You still have time before summer to make it a reality!
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A sundial (if you have enough sun for it) would also be very romantic in a secret garden. Remember, this is one place that can be exactly what you want it to be. Sit and dream of the possibilities.
Photo and story  by Joyce Lavene