“Goth Gardens” is a concept that merges the dark aesthetic of gothic culture with the beauty and creativity of gardening. It’s a twist on traditional gardening aesthetic, incorporating elements of darkness into garden design and plant selection to embrace the darker side of nature.
What Outdoor Craftsmen likes to include in the landscape for this unique look:
- Dark-Colored Plants: The key to creating a Goth Garden is selecting plants with dark or black foliage. This includes plants like black roses, purple-black irises, deep burgundy lilies and dark Cala lillies, deep purple/almost black pansies, black Mondo grass, Penstemon Whipple’s beardtongue, black hollyhocks, purple smoke bush, and Summer Wine Black Ninebark.
- Add texture and height with dark-toned plants and grasses like black huechera (coral bells), black elephant ears, and black and purple fountain grasses (annuals). This article from Laidback Gardener showcases even more ‘black’ plants and flowers to try in a Goth Garden.
- Contrasting accents are use to provide contrast. This could include white or silver flowers, pale stones or gravel, and ornate black or wrought iron furniture, pots, and other and accessories.
- Mysterious Elements: Goth Gardens often feature mysterious or whimsical elements that evoke a sense of intrigue or enchantment. This could include hidden pathways, secret alcoves, and gothic arches.
- Night-Blooming Plants: To enhance the nocturnal ambiance of the garden, night-blooming flowers such as moonflowers, night-blooming jasmine, and evening primrose may be planted. These plants release their fragrances at night, attracting nocturnal pollinators.
- Gothic Structures: Gothic architecture and design elements, such as pointed arches, ornate ironwork, black planters, and black benches with intricate ironwork with intricate patterns, can be incorporated into garden structures like pergolas, trellises, and fences to enhance the gothic aesthetic.
