Didn’t you ever wonder what the garden from the story “The Secret Garden” really looked like? If you let your imagination go wild, it isn’t difficult to picture an area bordered by lush green hedges and fragrant trees, with winding paths, flower shrubs and a fountain at the heart of it all.

What if you could have such a grand sight in your own backyard? Wouldn’t you like to escape into this private paradise just a few steps away from your backdoor?

With this in mind, there are a number of things you can do to transform your regular garden into a secret, tranquil getaway:

A Bridge over Peaceful Waters. The best way to create your hideaway is to properly distinguish it from the rest of your home. While gates can do the trick, a garden bridge can really heighten that feeling of entering a secret place.

To emphasize that border between your daily life and your private paradise, create a gentle stream of water that passes under the bridge. Keep the water moving with a small fountain or a backyard waterfall.

The Sights of Tranquility. To welcome you into the garden after crossing the bridge, set a beautiful sight to calm the senses. It can be as grand as a dazzling array of flowers planted along a path or as simple as strategically-placed wrought iron trellises to give shape to an open space. Every element should play its part to create a soothing environment you can really fall in love with.

Add a couple of benches, swings, or even a beautiful, sturdy gazebo at the end of the path or the center of the garden so you have a comfortable place to unwind, whether alone or with friends and family.

Give Yourself Some Space. To truly achieve a peaceful ambience characteristic of a secret hideaway, you have to make sure that every detail complements your goal; having too much of a good thing can ruin the concept. So, give yourself time to look through all the flower arrangements and ornaments you have in mind for your garden. Afterwards, pick out the best to prevent clutter. By balancing your garden flora and decorations, settling into a tranquil mood will be effortless.

What is your idea of the perfect secret garden? We’d love to know more about what you think.