Fairytale garden ideas — 7 ways to create a magical outdoor space for you and your guests

When I was younger, I used to think we had fairies at the bottom of the yard and wished I could join them. I'm excited that I can finally live out my fantasy in real life, as fairytale gardens are everywhere at the moment and I don't see them going anywhere.

If you like the idea of a magical outdoor space feel magical as much as I do, you'll love these ideas from design and gardening experts. Winding pathways, twinkling lights, and fabulous floral arrangements are just a few of their top tips.

For those looking for backyard ideas that are beautiful and whimsical, these will whisk you away to another world.

Fabulous fairytale garden ideas

No matter if you're working with a fairy-sized space and are searching for small backyard ideas or are decorating a bigger space, these will work for all different sizes.

The experts have suggested specific decor throughout, so I've curated highly-rated picks from trusted retailers wherever possible.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

1. Use soft outdoor lighting

Create a dreamy atmosphere in your fairytale garden by bringing in outdoor lighting ideas .

“Use string lights, lanterns, and solar-powered garden lights to illuminate the garden at night,” suggests Tony O’Neill , gardening expert at Simplify Gardening.

“Soft, warm lighting can create a magical ambiance and highlight key features,” he adds.

Tony suggests draping LED string lights over trees, bushes, and pergolas to create a twinkling effect throughout your space.

For example, the JMEXSUSS String Lights from Amazon have over 9,000 five-star reviews, are waterproof, and come in 17 colorful styles.

Three-year warranty

Brightech Glow String Lights

Size (ft.): W26
Made from: Brass
Price: $34.99

I love how versatile these string lights are, with a chic finish that will suit fairytale gardens and other backyard styles. They're wind-resistant up to 50 MPH and weather-hardy so you can keep them up all year. The rubberized cord  adds to their strength, making them a robust, long-lasting choice. Do take extra care though if you live in Tornado Valley/Alley.

Smaller size available

Winston Porter Tabletop Lantern

Size (in.): H19.75 x W7.5 x D8.
Made from: Glass, iron
Price: $51.99

This pretty lantern would look beautiful in fairytale gardens and in Moroccan gardens , thanks to its elegant design that wouldn't look out of place in a storybook. Wayfair shoppers say it's easy to assemble and great quality. You could grab a couple and use them at the start of your pathway to mark the way and make it look inviting.

Amazon's choice

Famolay Paper Lanterns

Size (in.): H12 x W12
Made from: Paper
Price: $13.99 for 12

Add playfulness to your fairytale garden with these adorable outdoor lanterns . Hang them above your al fresco dining area to create an eye-catching set-up or dot them around the whole space to tie it all together. I love the pretty pink, but they do  come in 17 other colors and styles, so you can pick whichever suits your outdoor area best.

2. Create winding paths

Having clear paths is key for adding structure to carefree backyard spaces like ones with fairytale themes.

“One of my favorite concepts is incorporating natural stone paths that meander through lush greenery and flowers,” says Bob Berriz , designer at Berriz Design.

“For a whimsical touch, we often use glow stones or pavers to create illuminated pathways at night,” he adds.

I think the Oubest Glow in The Dark Rocks from Amazon are pretty and budget-friendly. Plus, the soft lighting will create an enchanted feel that’s fit for a fairytale.

3. Add surprise fairy features

I love the thought of creating surprises for guests in my backyard, and this fairytale garden idea is a fun way to do just that.

Tony suggests, “Incorporate miniature fairy houses, toadstools, and other whimsical decorations throughout the garden.”

Try hiding these among plants or place them in open areas. You could do by adding a fairy door to your trees, either by DIYing your own or by grabbing a cute one like the Dmyifan Resin Fairy Door from Amazon that glows in the dark.

1 year warranty

Mainstays Outdoor Green Frog

Size (in.): H8.5 x W4.75 x L6
Made from: Resin
Price: $9.96

This is the cutest frog I have ever seen. Look at its adorable little eyes and smile! It's made from heavy-duty resin, meaning it's weather-resistant, while the weightiness of it will ensure the frog doesn't hop away when gusty winds blow through your backyard. Stand it up by itself or nestle it among bright and beautiful flowers, or fairy lights for fun evening surprise.

8 hour light time

Suyorpe Garden Fairy Decor

Size (in.): H9.45 x W3.54 x L6.34
Made from: Resin
Price: $34.99

Not only is this fairy super cute, but it's also holding a solar light that will glow up your garden during the evening. There are five other styles, so you could always grab a few and create a group of fairy friends in your yard. They all also have a weather-resistant coating that will withstand rain, snow, and UV rays. I also think this would make a gorgeous gift.

Weather resistant

Best Choice Products Outdoor Bird Bath

Size (in.): H28.5 x W20
Made from: PVC
Price: $39.99

For those wanting more subtle decor for your fairytale garden, this pretty bird bath will attract feather friends and add a rustic finish to the space. Over 600 Walmart shoppers have given it five stars, rating its elegant design, easy assembly, and incredible spaciousness. Plus, it's very lightweight, so you can move it around easily when necessary.

4. Plant bright and bold flowers

It just wouldn’t be a fairytale garden without flowers. These will add color and texture, as well as enhance the fragrance of your outdoor space.

“I also suggest grouping plants with distinct shapes and colors, like foxgloves, hollyhocks, and hydrangeas,” says Bob.

“Placing them in clusters will guide visitors on an adventure through your backyard space,” he says.

Learning how to take care of hydrangeas is easy, and you can simply start growing these with potted shrubs like the Endless Summer Hydrangea from Walmart that can be grown in USDA zones four to nine.

5. Bring in beautiful structures

Step your fairytale garden by adding stunning structures that can serve as beautiful entryways or focal points in the space.

“Create flower arches or pergola ideas draped with climbing plants like clematis, honeysuckle, or roses,” Tony explains.

For those who like this idea but live in a small space like me, I’m currently growing wisteria in a trellis planter similar to the Arlmont & Co Wooden Planter from Wayfair which is made from natural materials and has a drainage system.

6. Sneak in a hidden garden nook

Turn your backyard space into a sanctuary by creating a calming spot to nestle into a book, enjoy your morning coffee, or simply relax.

“Design hidden seating areas or reading nooks surrounded by tall plants and climbing vines,” Tony says. “A cozy bench or swing nestled among fragrant roses or wisteria can provide a perfect escape.”

He suggests searching the best outdoor furniture brands for pieces with vintage designs to enhance the fairytale atmosphere.

I often spend hours looking through Amazon furniture and recently spotted the Belleze Outdoor Bench from Amazon that has a vintage-style rose design and is made from sturdy aluminum.

7. Finish with wonderful water features

As well as choosing lovely lighting, hardscaped water features such as ponds, fountains, and wishing wells, can add character to your fairytale garden in more than one way.

“The sound of trickling water combined with lighting creates an ambiance for an enchanted night in the garden,” Bob says.

Tony suggests adding lily pads, water lilies, and floating candles (the Mainstays Floating Candles from Walmart come with a remote) in order to build on the magical feel.

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Even just harnessing a couple of these fairytale ideas will make your backyard feel completely different.

“With the right plants, paths, and lighting, an outdoor space can whisk people away to a fantasy world,” Bob finishes by saying.

If you love this aesthetic and want to carry on bringing it into your home, learning about fairycore is a great idea.