Recently, a friend invited me over for a walk through her garden. As we meandered, all I could think about was that I never wanted to leave.

Have you ever walked into someone’s garden and felt like you were in a magical place? Everywhere you look, there’s something beautiful and inspirational. You could spend hours in that garden trying to discover all the hidden gems.

There are many things that a garden needs, such as the layout of your garden beds, structures, and outdoor furniture. These create a foundation for your garden. But it’s the little things that add charm to your garden. When you add your special touches to those basic structures, they can turn a bare-bones garden into a magical place.

How can you turn your ho-hum garden into a welcoming sanctuary? All it takes is a little time and a desire to create something special. While there are many things that can elevate your garden, these seven things can add charm to your garden and transform it into something truly special.

7 Ways to Add Charm to Your Garden…

Picket Fences

There are many varieties of picket fences. The classic white fence is charming. But there are other picket styles to choose from. Here are a few picket fence styles and options: 21 Picket Fence Designs Around the House

Keep in mind that you don’t need a picket fence around your whole garden. You can add small sections of a fence to highlight certain plants or areas. Or use a section of fence as a decor item, such as my vintage picket garden gate.

Word Signs

Signs tell a story about you and your garden. When placed throughout your garden, they reveal what’s important to you. Hang signs on a wall, place on a post, or tuck them into a pot. Your options are endless.

The size of the sign can vary as well. You might use a large sign on your garden shed or a tiny sign in your favorite planter. The material your sign is made of will determine where you can hang it. For example, a sturdy metal sign could withstand the outdoor elements and can be placed in the open. A vintage wooden sign is best placed in a covered area to help protect it.

You can also make your own signs with a chalkboard. Whether it’s a store-bought chalkboard, a sign created from an old metal tray, or a chalkboard on a door, there are lots of ways to create chalkboard signs.

Lights/Lanterns

As the sun is setting, light a lantern or turn on a strand of Edison lights. Or light a dozen candles all over your garden to add twinkle to your evening. You’re more likely to slow down and enjoy your garden when you can relax and stay longer. And lights can encourage you (and company) to linger longer into the warm, fragrant evening.

I’ve started collecting solar light strands, which are effortless to maintain. Set them to charge during the day and turn on automatically at night. Then sit back and enjoy the sparkle.

READ: 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Make Your Garden Sparkle at Night

Garlands and Wreaths

You can never have enough wreaths for your home and garden. Whether you make a simple floral wreath or purchase a fancy one, wreaths are perfect for decorating your back door, garden gate, or shed. Here are a few wreaths that can easily be made and displayed in your garden:

• Hydrangea Wreath
• Acorn and Nut Wreath
• Dried Sunflower Wreath
• Rosehip Wreath
• Natural Foraged Wreath
• Fresh Herbal Wreath
• Faux Lemon and Greens Wreath

Garlands can also add some color to your garden. Whether a simple garland made from fabric, vintage napkins, oilcloth, or a garland made of natural materials such as dried hydrangeas or pinecones, a garland adds that touch that says “finished.”

Whimsical Animals

When out in the garden, we’re sharing the space with God’s creatures. You never know when some animal or bird will show up… bunny, squirrel, owl, robin, hummingbird. The list goes on. But some of those creatures can rapidly destroy your garden. For example, the bunny can eat all your lettuce and flowers. And the squirrel can dig holes all over your garden beds to plant walnuts.

Get the best of both worlds with faux animals. Metal bunnies, cement squirrels, plastic owls, and resin creatures tucked here and there can provide wildlife without the damage they can do. Tuck these small creatures into partially hidden places for a garden surprise.

Vintage Containers

What’s your vintage style? Wood, glass, metal, pottery? Many non-garden containers can work well as a planter for your flowers or to hold your bouquets. You could also use these containers to corral your garden tools. Here’s a list of some possibilities for your garden:

• Coffee Pots
• Colanders
• Enamel Bowls
• Baskets
• Wooden Crates
• Watering Cans,
• Metal Drawers
• Buckets
• Mason Jars
• Tool Caddies
• Fishing Tackle Boxes
• Mailboxs
• Tureens
• Metal Storage Containers

Rotate your vintage containers throughout the year. This will not only help them survive the outdoors, but you can enjoy a greater variety of them in your garden.

READ: The Best Vintage Containers to Use in Your Garden

Recycled Metal

Using recycled metal means finding an interesting metal piece and using it in your garden not only for decorating but also for physical support. An old metal gate can form one side of a flower bed. Use metal poles to support a growing vine. A vintage headboard works well as a backdrop for your favorite flowers. Use a rusty cart to display your plants and decor.

When it comes to finding metal pieces to use in your garden, consider things you might discard, such as a metal bed frame. Ask friends and family for poles and metal pieces they no longer need. Visit your local junkyard. Keep an eye out when going to yard sales or thrift stores.

Also, consider ways you can use metal castoffs in your garden. Vintage metal kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and old metal doors add a unique touch to your garden.

A Word of Warning…

There’s a world of difference between a charming garden and an “overdone” one. When you’re adding your special touches, you want to make sure that you place them carefully. You don’t want your garden to end up looking like a junkyard.

Here are a few key points to remember when placing your treasures.

• Tuck items into your garden beds so they look natural. Have the bunny peeking out from behind a plant.
• Situate a garden gate behind the garden bed and have a flowering plant growing up it.
• Hang a lantern from the edge of a border or walkway.
• Place statuary and recycled metal so you can keep the grass mowed. An item with unkempt grass growing all around doesn’t look like it belongs there, but that it was just discarded.
• Elevate items so they stand out. For example, hang a lantern or sign from a tree or post. Set your vintage container on a stack of bricks.

Take a walk around your garden and think about how you might incorporate some of these items into your garden beds, pathways and garden rooms. Then, keep an eye out for pieces that could fit that need. But also be open to finding surprises that can find a home in your garden.

The goal is to create a magical space in your garden that draws you in. Then, as you walk around your garden, you’ll be so charmed that you’ll never want to leave.