Formal garden ideas

Symmetry, repetition and clipped green architecture. The most demanding style to maintain, and the only one that looks finished in January.

AI-generated concept image

Light: Partial shade
Water: Moderate
Upkeep: High
Colour: Green-focused
Planting survives: −20 °C / −4 °F

Getting it right

Set the axis first, usually from the main window or the door, and build everything symmetrically off that line. Use one hedging species throughout, because mixing box and yew halves the effect. Be honest about upkeep before committing: box wants cutting once or twice a year and is now vulnerable to blight and box moth across much of Europe, so in a new garden Japanese holly or yew is the safer choice. Keep the planting inside the geometry deliberately plain.

Plants that work

Botanical names are given first so you can order the right plant anywhere. Heights are for mature plants in open ground.
Plant	Type	Light	Water	Height	Hardy to
Common boxBuxus sempervirens	Shrub · Evergreen	Partial shade	Moderate	0.3–3 m	−20 °C / −4 °F
English yewTaxus baccata	Conifer · Evergreen	Partial shade	Moderate	0.5–5 m	−20 °C / −4 °F
HornbeamCarpinus betulus	Tree · Deciduous	Partial shade	Moderate	1.5–15 m	−30 °C / −22 °F
Common beechFagus sylvatica	Tree · Deciduous	Partial shade	Moderate	1.5–25 m	−30 °C / −22 °F
Shrub roseRosa (shrub cultivars)	Shrub · Deciduous	Full sun	Moderate	0.8–1.8 m	−25 °C / −13 °F
English lavenderLavandula angustifolia	Shrub · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	40–70 cm	−20 °C / −4 °F
Lady's mantleAlchemilla mollis	Perennial · Deciduous	Partial shade	Moderate	30–45 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
CatmintNepeta × faassenii	Perennial · Deciduous	Full sun	Low	30–60 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
Woodland sageSalvia nemorosa	Perennial · Deciduous	Full sun	Low	40–70 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
DelphiniumDelphinium elatum	Perennial · Deciduous	Full sun	Moderate	1.2–2 m	−30 °C / −22 °F
Smooth hydrangeaHydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'	Shrub · Deciduous	Partial shade	High	1.2–1.5 m	−30 °C / −22 °F
Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis	Climber · Deciduous	Full sun	Moderate	6–12 m	−25 °C / −13 °F