Goth Gardens, To Die For
Goth gardens are having a moment right now thanks to the Netflix show Wednesday, and I am here for it. Tiktok and Instagram is flooded with videos showcasing stunning examples of goth gardens, inspiring others to experiment with darker tones and unconventional plant choices in their own outdoor spaces.
These gardens are characterized by their preference for plants with darker foliage and flowers in shades of black, deep purple, burgundy, and other rich, moody hues. They also often incorporate elements like dark stone pathways, and gothic-inspired decor such as wrought iron sculptures.
The appeal of goth gardens lies in their ability to create a dramatic and atmospheric outdoor space that feels both magical and haunting. These gardens evoke a sense of mystery and romance while drawing inspiration from Gothic literature, Victorian mourning gardens, and the aesthetic sensibilities of dark subcultures.
Interested in cultivating your own goth garden? See my tips below for how to create your own goth garden oasis at home.
Use Dark Plants. These can be black, dark purple, or burgundy! A true black plant is rare and hard to find in nature. Good plants to include are black hollyhock, purple basil, roses, and black pansies as shown below.
Black Devil Pansy (Baker Creek Seeds)
2. Don’t Forget the Edibles (Herbs and Veggies!). If you want to try something new, for the first time, home gardeners can now grow a GMO tomato made with snapdragon DNA. It is called the Purple Tomato. It is the first genetically modified food crop to be directly marketed to home gardeners.
Purple Tomato (Norfolk Plant Sciences)
3. It’s not just about the color black. Consider adding plants with multiple textures and colors. Those dark plants wont pop without contrast.
Prairie Blazing Star (Prairie Nurser)
4. Plants always love some friends! Incorporate elements of Gothic architecture and decor, such as weathered statues or wrought iron gates. Experiment with lighting to enhance the nighttime ambiance, using lanterns or string lights to cast shadows and create an ethereal glow.
Octopus Garden Sculpture - Monster Lawn Outdoor Kraken Stake (Garden Decor)
5. Night-Blooming Flowers: Flowers that bloom at night, such as moonflowers and queen of the night cactus, add to the mystique of goth gardens.
Moonflower (Eden Brothers)
6. Goth gardens shouldn’t actually be deadly. We are big proponents of only using natural fertilizers and pesticides. No spraying deadly poisons here! Let’s treat Mother Earth and our local friends with care and respect.
Photo by Raik Loesche on Unsplash
Goth gardens are more than just a trend – they represent a creative rebellion against conventional gardening norms, inviting us to explore all aspects of nature and ourselves. So, embrace the darkness, unleash your imagination, and let your goth garden bloom.