When I sat down with Margaret Linton, a seasoned landscape designer renowned for her expertise in crafting Hamptons style gardens, I was eager to unearth the secrets behind creating a garden that feels like you’re always on holiday. As we sipped on freshly brewed tea in her sun-drenched conservatory, Margaret began to recount her transformative journey with one particular client, a journey that encapsulates the essence of a Hamptons style garden.
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Margaret’s client, a busy London-based lawyer named Sarah, yearned for a refuge from her hectic life. She envisioned a garden that would transport her to the serene shores of the Hamptons every time she stepped outside. “Is there anything better than having a garden that makes you feel like you’re always on holiday?” Margaret mused. Her task was clear: to help Sarah create a space that was luxurious, classy, and uniquely hers.
Balancing Formality and Looseness
Margaret explained that the secret to achieving the quintessential Hamptons style lies in the delicate balance between formality and looseness. Lean too much towards formality, and you risk losing the relaxed, laid-back vibe that defines the Hamptons. On the other hand, err too much towards looseness, and the garden can quickly become chaotic, abandoning the sophistication and classiness that are equally crucial.
For Sarah’s garden, Margaret started with the structure. “Hedges, topiaries, and standard plants are key,” she said, illustrating with a sketch. These elements provide the necessary symmetry and structure, creating a sense of order that grounds the garden. In Sarah’s case, neatly trimmed boxwood hedges lined the pathways, while elegant topiaries punctuated the space, offering a nod to the garden’s classic elegance.
Infusing Romantic Softness
With the structure in place, it was time to add softness—a touch that Margaret described as “flowy and wild, but not too wild.” This is where the garden truly came alive. Margaret chose a palette dominated by cooler shades, with pops of colour here and there, including sparing use of warm hues like magenta. “It’s about creating an interplay between structure and softness,” she explained.
Sarah’s garden bloomed with soft, romantic touches. Climbing roses scaled the pergolas, their delicate blooms adding a fragrant allure. Border plants and ground covers, like lavender and creeping thyme, softened the edges, creating a seamless transition between the structured and the wild. Tall, graceful trees provided dappled shade, while shrubs added depth and texture.
Personalising the Space
But what truly set Sarah’s garden apart was how it reflected her personal tastes and lifestyle. Margaret stressed the importance of personalisation, noting that no two Hamptons style gardens should be exactly alike. “It’s about creating a space that speaks to you, that feels like your own little paradise,” she said.
To infuse Sarah’s personality into the garden, Margaret incorporated bespoke elements. A quaint seating nook was nestled amidst the greenery, the perfect spot for Sarah to unwind with a book. A water feature, its soft trickle providing a soothing backdrop, was added to evoke the coastal charm of the Hamptons. And for a touch of whimsy, Margaret installed a vintage garden swing, a nod to Sarah’s childhood memories.
The Magic of Lighting
Margaret didn’t forget the importance of lighting in crafting a garden that feels luxurious and inviting. “Lighting can transform a garden, especially at night,” she remarked. For Sarah’s garden, discreetly placed lanterns and fairy lights illuminated the pathways and highlighted the garden’s features, creating an enchanting atmosphere after dusk.
A Lasting Retreat
As Margaret and I wrapped up our conversation, she shared a final thought: “A Hamptons style garden isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space where you can truly relax and reconnect with nature.” For Sarah, the end result was precisely that—a garden that felt like a permanent holiday, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Through Margaret’s journey with Sarah, it became clear that designing a Hamptons style garden is an art of balance, personalisation, and a keen understanding of one’s desires. So, if you’re dreaming of a garden that transports you to a perpetual holiday, take a leaf out of Margaret’s book—embrace structure, soften with romance, and most importantly, make it your own.
By Diana Tahjmir
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