I decided to put together a proper guide on how to create your own Cosy Garden. We’ve already chatted about loads of stuff here – lawns, space, garden troubles, random stories and even seasons and blooms.
There’s been tips on garden bits, plant suggestions, what to avoid (or use with caution), but never anything too straight-up about how to build your own cosy little retreat.
Table of Contents
- what even is a truly Cosy Garden?
- When did this become a thing?
- Planning Your Cosy Garden
- Plants That Work in a Cosy Garden
- Outdoor Furniture
- Lighting Your Cosy Garden
- Other Things To Think About For Your Cosy Garden
- Cosy Garden Ideas (Gallery)
So, first thing I want to chat about is:
what even is a truly Cosy Garden?
cosy
adjective UK(US cozy) uk /ˈkəʊ.zi/us /ˈkoʊ.zi/
cosy adjective (COMFORTABLE)
comfortable and pleasant, especially (of a building) because of being small and warm:
- homely: (UK) The aim is to create practical, homely interiors rather than statement designs.
- comfortable: After a long journey I was looking forward to sleeping in a comfortable bed.
- comfy: There are two big comfy sofas in the lounge.
- cosy: (UK) The living room is warm and cosy.
- snug: She longed to be home in her snug little cottage.
Generally speaking, a cosy garden is something that brings you comfort, a sense of calm, a bit of nature and that inner peace kinda vibe – but here’s the deal: it’s gotta feel that way for YOU, not someone else.
What brings me peace and a warm fuzzy feeling might not do anything for you – and that’s totally fine. You need to figure out what your version of cosy actually is.
When did this become a thing?
The whole Cosy Garden vibe really kicked off during the lockdowns between 2020 and 2023. Loads of people stuck at home realised they didn’t have a little corner to escape the chaos.
Trying to break out of the rush-rush daily life brought up things like Hygge and slow living – and the Cosy Garden fits right in with that.
So basically: what gives you that “hug” feeling? Soft textures? Warm lighting? A bit of privacy? Maybe even a wild animal or two, or absolutely none at all. There’s no right or wrong – just what works for you.
Planning Your Cosy Garden
Now that you’ve got a feel for what you want, it’s time to check out your space. Take a proper look around and think:
- Is it big? What’s the exact space you’ve got?
- Is it sunny, shady, or a bit of both?
- Can you set up a snug zone? (Examples: reading nooks, tea corners, little firepits, or just a quiet sit-down spot)
- Some materials boost the cosy feel depending on your taste – like aged wood, mossy stone, or classic woven fencing.
Plants That Work in a Cosy Garden
No hard rules here either – but here’s a few ideas to get you going:
- Year-round beauties like boxwood, ivy, or skimmia;
- Soft, touchable leaves (like lamb’s ear or ornamental grasses);
- Flowers that give warm vibes (lavender, English roses, hellebores in winter);
- And anything scented – jasmine, mint, lilac.
Outdoor Furniture
Try not to go for stuff that’ll fall apart in five minutes – and don’t get anything too heavy, so you can move it around when you feel like a change. Suggestions:
- Snug seats like benches, hanging chairs, even waterproof pouffes;
- Proper comfy cushions – merino wool throws, natural-fibre rugs, padded covers for benches and chairs;
- Warmth is a must! Think firepits, patio heaters or outdoor fireplaces – your future self will thank you.
And hey, don’t forget little touches that make it feel like you. Maybe a side table for your tea mug (or wine glass, no judgement), a basket to stash blankets, or even some fairy lights woven around the furniture for that evening glow.
It’s all about layering up the cosiness, one detail at a time.
Lighting Your Cosy Garden
The sky’s the limit here. String lights, solar lanterns, candles or torches (go windproof if you can!).
One tip: bounce your light off things – don’t shine it straight in someone’s eyes unless you absolutely have to.
Say you want to light up a path – try bouncing the glow off nearby stones, plants or walls instead of blasting light directly on the path. Keeps it all soft and mellow.
Yellow-toned lights or low-watt bulbs work a treat …. they feel gentler than bright white ones.
Other Things To Think About For Your Cosy Garden
Privacy & Protection
If you’re after a bit more seclusion, go for thick climbers (honeysuckle, clematis), bamboo screens or even controlled clumps of actual bamboo.
Live in a noisy spot? No worries ! use water features or thick hedges to block out the sound. Bird feeders could work too!
Keep an eye out for urban pests too. You don’t have to hurt anything, just go for natural, ethical ways to keep your space peaceful.
Got fox trouble? Try low fencing or loose rocks: they hate unstable ground. Strong smells like diluted vinegar or citronella oil also put them right off.
Cats – love ’em or not – can be kept away from beds with lavender, rosemary or Coleus canina (“scaredy cat plant”).
Birds trashing your garden? Don’t shoooooo them off … just give them their own buffet corner with feeders away from your favourite bits.
Just remember … a cosy space should feel harmonious.
Tiny Gardens (Balconies and Patios)
This is where creativity shines. In big gardens, things can look “randomly placed” if you’re not careful. In tiny spaces, they just look… cluttered.
For really small spots, think vertical gardens, mini greenhouses (especially if it gets loads of sun), or fold-away furniture.
Chunky potted plants like hydrangeas or dwarf shrubs can bring lovely fullness. Go for max comfort since you won’t be packing the space with stuff.
A little fold-up table, two super comfy chairs and some lush potted plants – job done. Cosy, cute and ready for anything.
Maintaining a Cosy Garden
Look, a cosy garden shouldn’t be hard work. It should feel good – even if you’re doing a bit of pruning or planting, it should be like therapy, not a chore.
Set up a quiet irrigation system – nothing noisy or flashy. Low-maintenance landscaping is your friend. Keep an eye on ivy and any plant that might go rogue if you turn your back.
Most important thing? Know this: there’s no such thing as a perfect garden – only yours. Flowers will wilt, stuff will fall, hoses will leak, neighbours will meddle. It’s fine.
Your garden’s alive – and living things are messy and beautiful. Embrace it.
Build the Habit
Get yourself a few tools – nothing OTT. You don’t need a diamond-tipped chainsaw or whatever. A decent pair of secateurs and some gloves will do the trick.
And use your tools! Don’t be afraid of a bit of dirt. While you’re at it, build other habits too. Stick on some music, read a book, do a bit of yoga or meditate in your space.
Want something with a bit more buzz? That’s fine too – try working out, doing a bit of boxing or dancing. Whatever it is, make that space yours, your little daily ritual, your escape.
Cosy Garden Ideas
