Jul 28th 2023
10 Style Features of Southern Gardens
The magical ambiance of Southern gardens is characterized by inviting entrances, winding pathways, charming garden elements, and extravagant blooms throughout. Kenneth Lynch & Sons has decades of expertise in creating garden pieces that complement the Southern style of outdoor spaces. Take a look at some of the most popular style features of Southern gardens and get inspired with how you can get started in creating your own special outdoor area with a touch of Southern charm!
1. Classical Statuary
Classical statuary pieces in both human and animal form are a perfect fit for Southern gardens, adding charm and a sense of life to the outdoor space. Whether placed in a central location or nestled among pathways, statuary is a perfect way to create an inviting ambiance throughout the garden and enhance the lush blooms among the equally beautiful surrounding landscape.
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Pictured: Classical Four Seasons Statue
2. Fountains as Focal Points
As a soothing garden element, fountains are a natural fit for Southern gardens as they enhance the natural beauty and bring a sense of tranquility and elegance to the outdoor space. Large fountains are often placed as focal points in a central location or among pathways to ensure that visitors are able to enjoy the relaxing flow of water from the fountain. Smaller fountains can often be found in smaller gardens, creating the same calming ambiance without overpowering the natural elements of the space.
Pictured: Classical Tiered Fountain
3. Armillary Sundials
Armillary sundials were invented thousands of years ago and, to this day, they are still one of the most classic elements found in gardens around the world. In Southern gardens, sundials can be often found placed on a classic cast stone pedestal to add height and dimension among the natural landscape. Sundials can make beautiful focal points when surrounded by colorful flowerbeds, or they can be found in nooks along the pathways of a garden.
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Pictured: Classic Armillary Sundial
4. Decorative Urns
Urns are a staple element in Southern gardens as their classical design adds elegance and versatility to the outdoor space. Urns can be used both as a functional element for showcasing blooming flowers throughout the seasons, and as decorative items that add visual interest to the garden thanks to their unique shapes and detailed designs.
Pictured: Melone Planter
5. Garden Seating
Garden seating is essential to Southern gardens as it represents a welcoming invitation to come sit and stay awhile. Classic garden benches in a more formal setting will often be made of cast stone, placed along pathways and garden nooks to complement other elements in the garden. Larger outdoor spaces are likely to also have dining sets and conversation seating areas for outdoor enjoyment and entertainment. Outdoor furniture made from cast aluminum is a great option for Southern gardens thanks to its durability in all weather conditions and classic designs that will stand the test of time.
Pictured: Star and Dolphin Chair and Side Table
6. Elegant Entry Gates & Archways
Entry gates and archways are important elements for Southern gardens since they are both decorative and functional in their roles in enhancing outdoor spaces. Decorative gates are a formal entry point that separates the garden area from the outdoor world, while also creating interest by allowing a peek inside the garden and an invitation inside. Archways create separation between different garden rooms and guide visitors between spaces. They are a great way to add dimension and enhance garden elements, often with an elaborate frame of climbing vines and interweaving flowers in bloom.
Pictured: Dancing Girl Fountain with Trellis, as seen in Southern Lady, Southern Gardens - August 2020 Edition. Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele.
7. Wall Fountains
Wall fountains are an ideal element to add a sense of tranquility to smaller Southern gardens. They are often detailed in their design, featuring different styles of rosettes, border detailing, and even smaller statuary elements incorporated into the piece. At Kenneth Lynch & Sons, our wall fountains are completely customizable and our team of experts has worked with hundreds of designers over the years to create the perfect design for each unique project.
Pictured: Dancing Girl Fountain
8. Birdbaths
Birdbaths are a delightful addition to any garden, but especially Southern gardens that are characterized by creating an inviting and calm ambiance. Birdbaths serve as beautiful decorative pieces in smaller garden areas and are a great way to attract a diverse array of small birds and animals to refresh during hot summer days.
Pictured: Birdbath with Copper Drip
9. Boxwood Hedges & Colorful Blooms
As a verdant frame for the elaborate flowers and plantings in Southern gardens, you’ll find boxwood hedges are an essential part of the Southern style. Boxwoods are easy to grow and can be shaped to create dimension in shape or height, or create natural rooms and pathways throughout the garden. You’ll also find a beautiful array of flowers and plants in Southern gardens in shades of pink, blue, yellow, and all colors in between. Popular flowers in Southern gardens include azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, dogwoods, magnolias, and roses.
10. Brick Pathways & Walls
Red brick pathways and walls are a true identifier of a Southern garden. The red brick adds a beautiful contrast to the lush greenery and colorful blooms of the garden. Red brick is a popular choice for walkways and paths in the South as it holds up well in humid climates and extreme heat. You’ll be able to enjoy all the beautiful elements of the Southern garden as you stroll through the path ahead, just waiting to discover what you’ll find around the corner in a charming Southern garden!
Pictured: La Brezza
Learn more
For more inspiration and garden elements, view our Estate Elements Collection.
Take a look at our new Florentine Classics Estate Collection of outdoor furniture and endless customization options.
