The Planting Palette of The Three Graces of Galicia and The Romantic Garden Inspiration
Image Credit: Mariia Savoskula
We were absolutely thrilled by the wonderful response to our show garden, The Three Graces of Galicia. Many of you have asked about the planting combinations and the soft, romantic palette we used, so here is a short overview of romantic gardens, followed by the full planting list and some guidance to help you bring a touch of Galician elegance into your own garden.
Romantic Gardens: A Journey Into Emotion and Elegance
Image Credit: Mariia Savoskula
Romantic gardens are more than just beautiful spaces — they are emotional landscapes designed to stir the senses and create an intimate, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Inspired by poetry, art, and nature’s wild elegance, these gardens embrace softness, mystery, and a sense of escape.
Typically, a romantic garden will feature meandering paths, overgrown borders, and secret nooks. Roses climb over arched trellises, delicate flowers spill over stone walls, and the scent of lavender or jasmine hangs in the air. Water features, such as a trickling fountain or still pond, add a calming presence and reflect the sky above.
Rather than strict geometry, romantic gardens favour a looser, more organic layout. They invite visitors to wander, pause, and perhaps lose themselves for a moment — both physically and emotionally. It's a space for quiet reflection, meaningful conversation, or simply enjoying beauty without distraction.
Key Elements of Romantic Garden Design
Image Credit: Mariia Savoskula
Our planting palette was deeply inspired by the lush romance of 19th-century gardens in Galicia, where hydrangeas, ferns, and roses played a central role in shaping elegant, sensory-rich landscapes. These classic plant choices helped us evoke a mood of softness, nostalgia, and timeless beauty—key qualities of the romantic garden style.
When creating the planting scheme, we followed a few guiding principles that define the romantic garden aesthetic:
1. Layered softness
Image Credit: Mariia Savoskula
Repeating perennials help create rhythm and cohesion throughout the design.
2. Pastel tones
Image Credit: Mariia Savoskula
A gentle palette of pinks, mauves, soft greens, and whites sets a romantic mood.
3. Airy textures
Image Credit: Mariia Savoskula
Grasses such as Deschampsia add shimmer and movement.
4. Structure and softness
Image Credit: Mariia Savoskula
Evergreen elements provide form and contrast against frothy, looser planting.
5. Seasonal interest
Image Credit: Mariia Savoskula
A combination of flowering perennials and ferns ensures long-lasting impact.
🌿 The Full Planting List of The Three Graces of Galicia
Trees
Prunus serula (Tibet Cherry) – Multi stem
Carpinus betulus – Beehives – Topiary trees
Hedges
Carpinus betulus
Taxus baccata
Shrubs
Camellia japonica ‘Nobilissima’
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue’ (in pots)
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Zorro'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Leuchtfeuer’
Rosa ‘Harlow Carr’
Rosa ‘Scepter’d Isle’
Pittosporum tobira 'Nanum'
Astelia ‘Silver Shadow’
Perennials, Grasses & Ferns
Alchemilla mollis
Astrantia major 'Florence'
Astrantia major 'Roma’
Campanula poscharskyana ‘Stella’
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'
Erigeron karvinskianus
Athyrium filix-femina
Polystichum setiferum
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'
Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue'
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Lavender’
Geranium 'Azure Rush’
Verbascum chaixii 'Album'
Eurybia divaricatus
Pratia pedunculata ‘County Park’
Tulbaghia ‘Fairy Star’
Verbena officinalis ‘Bampton’
Veronica spicata ‘Anniversary Blue’
Digitalis ‘Pink Panther’
Climbers
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Bringing The Three Graces of Galicia to Your Garden
Image Credit: Mariia Savoskula
Often inspired by 18th- and 19th-century ideals of nature and romance, these gardens continue to resonate today. Whether nestled in a countryside estate or recreated in a small urban courtyard, a romantic garden offers timeless appeal — a gentle reminder of love, beauty, and the art of slowing down.
👉 Discover the full story of The Three Graces of Galicia and start your own romantic garden journey here.
👉 Follow us on Instagram for garden highlights: @nilufer_danis
With love and petals,
Nilufer Danis