I’ve been hooked on the idea of a secret garden ever since reading the novel The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and seeing the 1993 film adaption starring Maggie Smith and John Lynch. Many of us, unfortunately, don’t own a Yorkshire manor full of slow-burning intrigue and sprawling green grounds, but with a little imagination, we can indulge in our own secret gardenscape.

For me a secret garden needs to have something a bit magical about it; it should be a place where fairies would feel comfortable, perhaps. It doesn’t need to be somewhere locked away, but ever so slightly hidden by a veil of mystery. A secluded nook, a doorway or pathways leading to beyond are all ways we can incorporate a secret garden into our surroundings. As long as it invites you in to discover what lies beyond, a secret garden can take many shapes and forms, just like these. Arthur Lathouris Garden Designer Adding different-colored foliage and scented flowers, such as jasmine and magnolias, can create an enchanting atmosphere.

Browse foliage plants by color Outside Landscape Group For a touch of whimsy and romance, use an archway trellis as the gateway to your garden and adorn it with creeping or trailing plants.

Get inspired by more beautiful garden arches Antonio Martins Interior Design Build in defined spaces and secluded sitting areas. If you like the soft touch of carpet underfoot, try a ground cover. It’s nature’s carpet — soft on the pads and easy on the eyes. Garden Estate Landscaping Create a hidden courtyard that can be enjoyed from a room inside the house. The calming water feature surrounded by formal plantings along with the wall feature give this garden a quiet sophistication. Andrew Renn This formal garden entices you to walk up the stone steps framed by two well-groomed trees and discover what lies beyond. Arthur Lathouris Garden Designer Inspire exploration by having a defined foreground space, which then leads to other untold hidden treasures along the garden path. Secret Gardens You can even have a secret green haven on your rooftop by using a selection of planters. These customized decorative planters have been specifically grouped and arranged to create a sculptural feel. Chris Gursansky A semisecluded area in which to relax and read a book is the perfect addition to any secret garden. Make yourself comfortable with a water-resistant outdoor rug and cushions. Philip Nimmo Design This formal-style topiary garden is stunningly enclosed with green walls and overlooking trees. The combination of stone and lush topiary hedges is always a successful one.

Lay of the Landscape: French Garden Style Whipple Russell Architects Create a tranquil Japanese-style garden under your outdoor staircase. Guests will get a surprise when looking down and will no doubt want to get a closer look. ROOMS & BLOOMS There is nothing like a doorway with a hint of garden glory beyond to convince you to explore. This simple garden fence and doorway are picture perfect. Earthwork Landscape Architects Sometimes a garden left to grow a little on the wild side can be just as delightful as one trimmed to perfection. This overgrown archway and large garden gate give you a hint at what lies ahead.

How to add a hint of mystery to your garden Slater Associates Landscape Architects Now this garden looks like something out of a Jane Austen novel. The high stone walls allow for privacy and keep out garden pests. The bridge and rockscape are an inspired touch and break up the expanse of lawn. Rikki Snyder The beauty of a secret garden is that it can be placed in the most unexpected of places.

Air plants and succulents create a simple indoor garden in this designers’ show house, while a Moravian star pendant lamp shines overhead for subtle seasonal sparkle. Cording Landscape Design The old stone walls that shield this garden from the outside world provide an attractive backdrop to the greenscape as well as a barrier from outside intrusions.

See more about garden waterways like this Studio William Hefner Create pathways framed with hedges and bushes that lead to a quiet spot for thought and reflection.

More: Visit a secret side-yard garden