Structured Elegance or Wild Charm — Which Landscape Style Fits You?

When it comes to landscape design, everyone has a unique vision. Some love clean lines, clipped hedges, and neatly layered plantings. Others are drawn to soft, flowing shapes and gardens that feel a bit wild — as if nature itself took the lead. The beauty of landscape design is that there’s no right or wrong approach. It all depends on your style, your space, and how you want your garden to make you feel.

If you find peace in symmetry and order, a structured garden design may be your match. This style often features:

• Defined edges and pathways that guide movement through the space

• Geometric shapes like squares, circles, or formal borders

• Evergreen shrubs and topiaries for year-round structure

• Repetition and balance to create harmony and rhythm

Structured gardens are timeless. They bring a sense of calm and refinement, and they’re often easier to maintain once established — ideal for homeowners who prefer a tidy, elegant look.

If you prefer a more relaxed, organic vibe, a natural garden design might be your style. These landscapes celebrate imperfection and encourage biodiversity. Common features include:

• Soft, flowing plant groupings that mimic nature

• Native plants and pollinator favorites

• Curved pathways and informal edges

• Seasonal interest through changing textures and colors

Loose, natural gardens invite butterflies, bees, and birds — and often require less watering and chemical input. They feel warm, welcoming, and alive.

The best part? You don’t have to choose one or the other. Many beautiful landscapes blend the two. For example, a structured hedge can frame free-flowing perennial beds, or a formal pathway can wind through a soft meadow-style planting. It’s all about finding the right balance between order and freedom — structure and spontaneity.

• Your home’s architecture – Traditional homes pair beautifully with formal gardens; modern or cottage styles often suit looser plantings.

• Your maintenance style – Structured gardens require regular trimming; natural gardens need more seasonal cleanup.

• Your emotional connection – Do you feel most relaxed in a serene, orderly space or inspired by a wild, untamed landscape?

Whether you love structured landscapes for their elegance or natural landscapes for their charm, your outdoor space should reflect you.

 At Chalet, we specialize in creating personalized outdoor spaces that bring beauty, balance, and joy to your everyday life.

Ready to explore your landscape style? Contact us today to start designing your dream landscape.