The 1970s were a time of vibrant color, funky patterns, and bohemian style. A retro 1970s-themed garden can capture the essence of that era, combining eclectic and bold flower choices that reflect the hippie movement, disco era, and vintage gardening trends. If you’re looking to create a garden that feels like a blast from the past, there are plenty of flowers that evoke the 1970s spirit. Here are some of the best flowers to include in your retro 1970s-themed garden:
1. Marigolds
Marigolds were a staple in many gardens during the 1970s. Known for their bold, orange and yellow hues, these flowers add a warm, cheerful vibe to any garden. They also symbolize positivity and are easy to grow, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. Marigolds were often paired with other bright flowers to create a lively, eclectic look that defines the 1970s garden aesthetic.
2. Zinnias
Zinnias are another flower that brings the bright and bold spirit of the ’70s into the garden. With their vibrant colors ranging from hot pink and red to yellow and orange, zinnias were popular during the era due to their versatility and long blooming period. Their daisy-like flowers in full bloom provide a playful and fun element to any garden. These flowers also work well in both sunny borders and containers, giving your garden a splash of color.
3. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are synonymous with the ’70s, symbolizing freedom, peace, and a connection to nature. These tall, cheerful flowers with their golden petals were common in gardens of the time, thanks to their association with the hippie movement. A few sunflowers in your garden can make a bold statement and bring a nostalgic, retro feel to the space. Their large blooms are also perfect for attracting bees and butterflies, helping to enhance your garden’s eco-friendliness.
4. Daisies
Daisies were a quintessential flower of the 1970s, evoking a carefree, bohemian spirit. Often used in fashion (think flower crowns) and décor, the simple yet beautiful daisy is a perfect fit for a retro garden. The white petals with yellow centers add a touch of simplicity and freshness to any design. Whether planted in clusters or used as borders, daisies capture the essence of 1970s charm.
5. Lavender
Lavender’s calming scent and purple hue make it a perfect addition to a retro-themed garden. The 1970s saw a rise in interest in natural beauty and wellness, and lavender was commonly used in essential oils, perfumes, and bath products. Lavender’s fragrant purple flowers, paired with its soft, soothing color, bring an element of tranquility and natural beauty to the garden. Its low-maintenance growth and ability to attract pollinators make it a great plant for your retro garden.
6. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers, or Echinacea, were loved in the 1970s for their rustic, natural beauty. Their large, daisy-like flowers with pink or purple petals and a spiky central cone provide a retro yet timeless appeal. These flowers also symbolize health and vitality, which ties into the 1970s’ cultural focus on health and natural living. Coneflowers work well in wildflower gardens, adding texture and dimension to your design.
7. Geraniums
Geraniums were popular in the 1970s for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Their bright, bold colors—such as red, pink, and orange—were often seen in hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden beds. Geraniums can bring an energetic and cheerful vibe to a retro garden, making them perfect for a nostalgic 1970s-themed space. They also thrive in sunny areas, making them easy to maintain for gardeners of all levels.
8. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas were a beloved flower in the 1970s garden scene, known for their delicate, fragrant blooms. Their pastel shades of pink, purple, and white create a romantic and soft atmosphere in any garden. These climbing plants can be trained on trellises or fences, adding height and dimension to your retro garden. Sweet peas are perfect for creating a vintage-inspired garden that feels like stepping back in time.
9. Morning Glories
Morning glories were a popular choice for garden lovers in the 1970s, especially for adding a touch of whimsy and beauty. Their trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, and they open in the morning sunlight, closing by the afternoon. Morning glories are perfect for a retro-themed garden, as they offer an old-fashioned charm while still being vibrant and eye-catching. These climbing plants are ideal for fences, arbors, or even as ground cover.
10. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or mums, were often used in the 1970s to add a touch of elegance to gardens. With their diverse range of colors and shapes, chrysanthemums can add a structured, yet bohemian flair to a garden. They bloom in late summer and fall, extending the beauty of your garden well into the cooler months. The 1970s saw mums in vibrant oranges, yellows, and deep reds, reflecting the earthy tones that were so popular during this time.
11. Ageratum
Ageratum, also known as floss flower, was a popular choice in 1970s gardens due to its soft, fluffy appearance and its shades of blue, purple, and white. Its compact, bushy growth made it a great option for borders, containers, and hanging baskets. Ageratum’s soft, cloud-like blooms add a light and airy touch to any garden, perfectly capturing the relaxed and free-spirited vibe of the ’70s.
12. Poppies
Poppies were another favorite of the 1970s garden aesthetic, with their bold, bright colors and delicate petals. Poppies symbolize peace and remembrance, making them a meaningful addition to a retro garden. Their vibrant red, orange, or pink blooms will stand out among other flowers and give your garden a striking, eye-catching element. Poppies also have a certain nostalgic quality, tying into the 1970s’ cultural connection to both peace movements and natural beauty.
13. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a retro favorite due to their vibrant colors and ease of care. These flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, and their round, bright blooms bring a pop of color to any garden. Nasturtiums were often used in the 1970s for both ornamental and edible purposes, as the leaves and flowers are edible and have a peppery taste. Their unique appeal and versatility make them a perfect fit for a 1970s-themed garden.
14. Violets
Violets, particularly in shades of purple and blue, were popular during the 1970s for their charming appearance and sweet fragrance. These small, delicate flowers evoke a vintage feel and were often used in the gardens of the time to create a soft, romantic atmosphere. Violets can be planted in shaded areas, making them perfect for areas of your garden that don’t get much sunlight. Their low-growing nature makes them ideal for creating beautiful ground cover.
15. Bleeding Hearts
The Bleeding Heart flower, with its heart-shaped blooms in pink, white, or red, adds a touch of drama and romance to your garden. This flower was often seen in 1970s gardens, particularly in shaded areas or woodland gardens. Its whimsical, almost fairytale-like appearance captures the essence of the retro garden style. Bleeding Hearts thrive in cooler climates, making them an ideal addition to more temperate regions.
Creating Your Retro 1970s Garden
To fully embrace the 1970s aesthetic, think about mixing flowers that not only offer vibrant colors but also have varied textures, heights, and shapes. You can create a garden that feels like it’s from another era by combining these blooms with vintage garden furniture, funky accessories, and even a few retro sculptures. Choose plants that give off a carefree, natural vibe, with an emphasis on colors like orange, purple, yellow, and pink, which were so prevalent during the 1970s.
A 1970s-themed garden can be both nostalgic and vibrant, evoking the groovy spirit of the time while offering a space that is colorful, free-spirited, and full of life. Whether you’re adding a few retro-inspired plants to your existing garden or starting fresh with a full 1970s-style design, these flowers will bring a nostalgic, fun vibe to your space.
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