There is something irresistible about an English garden. Lush borders, fragrant roses, whimsical paths, and that perfectly imperfect style that feels both cultivated and wild. But if you live in Sacramento, you might wonder whether that charm can survive our hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The good news is that the Sacramento region’s Mediterranean climate is actually a wonderful canvas for creating an English inspired garden. With the right plants, smart watering strategies, and a few design tricks, you can enjoy the romance of an English garden all year long.
Below is your guide to building an English oasis that thrives under Sacramento skies.
Choose Plants That Love Heat and Dry Summers
An authentic English garden often features plants that expect cool rains. In Sacramento, you can recreate the look by selecting climate friendly varieties that mimic traditional English favorites while staying healthy through July and August.
Roses
Roses are surprisingly tough. Many varieties handle Sacramento heat beautifully.
Try:
• David Austin English style roses
• Cecile Brunner
• Iceberg
• Lady of Shalott
Plant them in morning sun with afternoon shade if possible.
Lavender
Lavender brings classic English charm and absolutely loves our climate. It is drought tolerant, fragrant, and perfect for lining pathways.
Try:
• Provence
• Hidcote
• Munstead
Salvias
They deliver that overflowing, cottage border effect while thriving in heat.
Try:
• Salvia Caradonna
• Salvia Mystic Spires
• Salvia Hot Lips
Hardy Geraniums
Geranium Rozanne or Johnson’s Blue resemble the soft cottage garden look and tolerate Sacramento summers when given afternoon shade.
Hydrangeas
They are possible here if you protect them from intense afternoon sun and keep soil moisture consistent.
Best options:
• Hydrangea macrophylla
• Hydrangea paniculata
Climbers
Climbing roses, star jasmine, and evergreen clematis add vertical romance. Wisteria can thrive too if placed in full sun and pruned generously.
Build Layers for That Iconic Cottage Garden Look
English gardens feel full and abundant because they follow a loose layering approach. Sacramento gardens can replicate this without overwatering.
Back layer
Tall shrubs and climbers such as climbing roses, wisteria, or hollyhock alternatives like Alcea Wrath of Khan which tolerates more heat.
Middle layer
Lavender, foxglove lookalikes such as Digitalis mertonensis, salvia varieties, nepeta, and shrub roses.
Front layer
Creeping thyme, alyssum, lamb’s ear, and heat tolerant daisies.
Even if you mix English classics with Mediterranean natives, the visual results are timeless.
Create the Structure that Defines an English Garden
Even the dreamiest English garden begins with structure. Sacramento’s long growing season makes these features especially impactful.
Curved paths
Use gravel or decomposed granite to create wandering pathways. They look elegant and stay permeable.
Hedges
Boxwood delivers the traditional look in our climate, but alternatives like dwarf myrtle or germander use less water and grow beautifully here.
Arches and trellises
Train roses or jasmine over a rustic arch for a dramatic entrance.
Garden rooms
Divide areas with hedges or potted plants to form cozy spaces. Mediterranean friendly hedges make this easy.
Watering Strategies for English Style Lushness
The key to keeping a Sacramento English garden thriving is strategic watering.
• Install drip irrigation to maintain steady soil moisture.
• Add a thick mulch layer to help retain water.
• Group plants with similar water needs.
• Choose deep watering over frequent light watering.
The result is a garden that feels lush without becoming water intensive.
Match the English Look with Mediterranean Practicality
Here are a few finishing touches that bring an English garden to life while thriving in our climate.
Terracotta pots
They work beautifully with lavender, dwarf roses, and herbs.
Garden benches
White painted wood or wrought iron styles add charm and invite lingering.
Wildlife friendly features
Birdbaths, bee loving flowers, and butterfly plants like buddleia will turn your yard into a living postcard.
Meandering borders
Plant generously, allow things to spill a little, and avoid rigid lines. English gardens celebrate softness.
A Sacramento Garden with English Soul
Sacramento’s Mediterranean climate can absolutely support the romance of an English garden. With thoughtful plant choices and a little design strategy, you can create a lush and timeless retreat that feels like a corner of the Cotswolds right in your backyard.
Whether you lean into roses, lavender lined paths, fragrant herbs, or shaded hydrangea pockets, you can craft a landscape that feels classic and elegant while staying perfectly adapted to local conditions.
If you create one, share photos. Sacramento gardeners love seeing what blooms beautifully in our region’s sun soaked climate.
