The Chinese New Year also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in the Chinese culture. According to the Chinese zodiac 2023 is the year of the Rabbit, other years would be 1987, 1999 and 2011. People born in the year of the Rabbit are said to be talented people, they like peace and tranquility and are very affectionate who do well at forming close relationships.

So taking the Chinese culture as inspiration here are so great tips on how to style your garden.

For those of us who were born in the year of the rabbit it is important to dedicate an area within your garden where you can go to get some peace and relaxation. What about a patio area with wall seating? A covered area in the garden with a bench? An outdoor summerhouse, pod or shed? A greenhouse where you can be relaxed around beautiful plants? Just so many ideas!

Water is a massive feature in a Chinese garden, ponds and water features are used a lot. All helping to create tranquility and calm.

Any paving would look great in a Chinese inspired garden. Use the paving as a starting point and work around it. Use either Smooth natural sandstone like EM Vanilla or EM Ivory or paving from our beautiful porcelain range. Use the paving around a pond, or create stepping stones and add rock features.

Plants such as bamboo, pine, lotus, flowering plum, peony and chrysanthemum are popular when creating this style garden. Bamboo is also great when used as screening for privacy or used as a fencing.

Use colourful planting and accessories. Red is very popular in this culture. Using red cushions on seating, painting fences or walls or simply adding red planting and flowers like red maple trees into your garden space.

Be Chinese New Year inspired with Ethan Mason.