In many ways, the artfully planted country home is the ultimate fantasy garden. It's beautiful, yet understated, wild yet manicured, and transports us instantly to the gardens of stories we loved growing up. Keith Richards '60s front yard takes this dream to the next level.
Archival images of the Rolling Stone's Sussex, England home show a masterclass in cottage gardens deep in the countryside. Mick Jagger and Keith stand in front of the latter's thatched-roof property, which is surrounded by clever planting. Low, beautiful florals line the beds in front of the home, edged with manicured hedges. Rosy vines grow up the stone walls. Trees flank the property, creating a sense of cocooning privacy.
Evidenced by the fact that this garden still looks just as beautiful over 50 years later, the English garden style is a classic that will be popular as we move into summer. Lucky for curious readers, it's easier to recreate than it may seem. To help, we've curated an edit of the best plants for building a storybook garden from scratch, and gathered advice from landscaping experts on replicating the look. Let's kick things off with a glimpse of Keith's home.
Recreate Keith's Planting at Home
Japanese boxwoods are low-maintenance plants that provide lasting structure and formality in the garden. They are a great option for beginners and work beautifully as privacy screens when planted together.
A personal favorite for climbing plants, vining hydrangea is always a standout, and these options do not disappoint. Their lush, cloud-like blooms on sturdy vines create a beautiful, full, layered look.
This evergreen shrub makes an ideal privacy hedge for a cozy, secluded backyard. It is an easy way to create a more comfortable, tucked-away outdoor space and start shaping your own garden retreat.
This beautiful, verdant ivy plant would be the perfect complement to a wild garden. It looks gorgeous climbing on an antique-style white house. There are enough seeds in the pack to ensure you create a beautiful display, just like Keith's.
There's nothing like a knock out rose, and these pretty and hardy ones will be a beautiful addition to any garden. I love how these look in a flower patch.
If you want to add a purple pop to your garden, these flowers are a perfect pick for your flower beds. They are gorgeous mixed in with white flowers.
Furthermore, Keith's look is arising as a popular front yard trend for 2026. Alex Bridgman, CEO of luxury garden furniture brand Bridgman explains: 'The farmhouse garden trend is a heartfelt return to nature. It blends classic countryside aesthetics with a sense of lived-in ease: think meandering borders, heirloom blooms, weathered textures, and rustic spaces that feel lovingly nurtured rather than perfectly manicured.'
He advises: 'To achieve this look, opt for an abundant mix of perennial favourites; lavender, foxgloves, delphiniums alongside edible herbs and wildflowers, these will help to invite bees, butterflies and other wildlife into your space. When looking at furniture, choose timeless, robust pieces crafted with wood or hand-woven rattan with soft, weather-resistant cushions and incorporate repurposed elements such as antique watering cans, terracotta pots, and wrought-iron accents. These finishing touches lend a storied feel, enhancing the sense of a garden grown with love over time.'
What are the best plants for a cottage garden like Keith's? Alex recommends: 'Climbing roses are a stunning choice that will frame your garden by running up the walls of your home. Pair with lavender bushes as well as shrub roses to infuse your garden with entrancing fragrances.'
For an added layer of creating a retreat-like feel at your home, trees are one of the best plants for privacy. Bryan Clayton, landscape design expert at GreenPal, advises: 'While running my landscaping company, I have designed hundreds of privacy planting projects. And I’ll be honest with you—if I had the choice between a big vinyl fence or a beautiful evergreen screen, I’m going evergreen every time. It just looks better, blends into the natural surroundings, and stays green all year round. My go-to choices are cryptomerias, and hemlocks....especially in zones where they thrive, northeast and southeast.'
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