How To Design A Luxury Hotel Inspired Garden At Home – According To Thornbridge Hall Gardening Expert

With 1 in 10 now investing in their gardens instead of going on holiday, many of us are looking to recreate that luxury-getaway-feel in our own backgardens. From secluded garden rooms to fragrant, season-long blooms, there are countless ways to bring a touch of five-star style to your outdoor space.

Noah Mabey, Gardener at the Thornbridge Hall told Platinum Spas said,

“Gardens are personal, and they should be a place you genuinely enjoy spending time in. Whether you have acres to play with or a modest back garden, a few well-chosen touches can make all the difference.”

Sharing his insider tips from years of designing and maintaining elegant hotel gardens, like the Peak District’s renowned Thornbridge Hall, Noah advises.

1. Keep Your Colour Palette Simple

“Less is more when it comes to hotel gardens – sticking to a clear, calm colour palette is best. Blue and green are timeless, or choose soft pinks and whites for a floaty, elegant look. The key is to resist the temptation to add too many different plants or colours, which can make the space feel cluttered rather than refined.”

2. Repeat Plant For Impact – Plant in 3’s & 5’s

“Hotels avoid a fussy, mismatched feel by repeating plants in blocks. Repetition creates rhythm in the garden and gives the whole space a cohesive, well-planned appearance.”

He explains, “Plant in odd-numbered groups for a natural, balanced look. This simple trick helps create harmony and flow in your planting scheme, making it more pleasing to the eye than even-numbered arrangements.”

3. Create ‘Garden Rooms’ For Hosting

“If you have the space, break up large areas in your garden with hedges, trees, or trellis to create intimate spaces – a hallmark of many hotel gardens. This not only adds privacy but also gives each area its own atmosphere. These ‘garden rooms’ are ideal for entertaining; simply add a table and chairs and you’ve got the perfect spot for an al fresco dinner party.”

4. Consider Fragrance

“Scent is an often-overlooked luxury in hotel gardens. Osmanthus burkwoodii smells amazing in the Spring and repeat-flowering roses will offer a gorgeous scent all Summer long. I especially love to use herbs for fragrance in my garden – rosemary and lavender offer both structure and a lovely scent.”

Noah adds,

“Don’t forget to plant your most fragrant species near seating areas or paths to ensure you can enjoy them up close.”

5. Incorporate Bold Features for a Grand Feel

“Sometimes you’ve got to be bold if you want to achieve that grand, hotel-garden feel. Statement planting makes all the difference – an avenue of lavender or nepeta makes for a striking entrance. Larger trees can also make a space feel private and serene, instantly giving the garden a more stately feel. Larger trees can frame views, provide dappled shade, and make a space feel more private and serene, instantly giving the garden a more stately, timeless character.”

6. Layer Your Planting

“Thoughtful layering not only adds visual interest but also ensures the garden has something to offer in every season, keeping it engaging year-round.”

Noah continues,

“Mix heights and textures to create depth and dimension in your planting scheme. Place larger shrubs or small trees at the back to form a backdrop, use mid-height plants like hydrangeas or roses to add structure, and bring in floaty perennials such as nepeta or geraniums towards the front for movement and softness. Dot bulbs like alliums, tulips, or daffodils throughout for bursts of seasonal colour.“

7. Aim for Year-Round Interest

“Evergreens like yew balls or topiary keep structure through the seasons, while hydrangeas and red-stemmed dogwood add winter character. Even spent hydrangea blooms have a beautiful texture in the colder months, so think about plants that look good beyond their flowering period.”

By following these seven tips, it is possible to transform any garden into your very own relaxing retreat. For more luxury garden inspiration and accessories, visit the Platinum Spas website.