The Hamptons are a string of towns located on the tip of Long Island, NY. They are known for their iconic mansion neighbourhoods, endless beaches and vacationing upper classes as they flock to their holiday homes from July to September. Tucked behind tall, privacy-giving hedges, these gardens are a masterclass in manicured luxury. Think Ralph Lauren crispness, neat white-painted timber, and soft furnishings in classic blues and greys.
The good news? You don’t need a transatlantic flight to experience this look. With the right structural choices and a sophisticated colour palette, you can bring that effortless East Coast grandeur right here to the UK.
Here is our specialist guide to achieving the ultimate Hamptons garden
Achieving this look relies on a balance of crisp structure and abundant, billowing planting. It is preppy, ordered, and neat, yet feels entirely relaxed. Consider linear pathways, balanced borders, and clear geometry complimented by a colour palette of rich greens, bright whites, and cool blues, with occasional soft pinks.
Weathered flagstones, stock brick pathways and neat gravel bring vintage charm while perfectly manicured lawns framed by low box hedging or classic topiary create crisp boundaries.
Soft Landscaping: The Layering Technique
To get that signature lush, abundant look, plant in generous, repeating drifts. Avoid mixing too many different species together; instead, group varieties in large clusters for maximum impact.
Top tip: Place your evergreen structural anchors at the back, layer your showstopping flowering shrubs through the middle, and soften the edges with low-growing, scented perennials.
1. The Mid-Layer Showstoppers (Hydrangeas & Companions)
Hydrangeas are the absolute undisputed royalty of the Hamptons look. They offer immense volume, unparalleled flower power, and excellent seasonal interest.
Top tip: To guarantee those massive summer blooms, hold off on pruning your Hydrangeas until late February or early March.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Polar Bear’ – A robust, compact shrub valued for its exceptionally large, dense flower panicles. Blooming from mid to late summer, its creamy white flowers emerge with a fresh green tint and mature to pure white, often developing soft pink tones as autumn approaches. Strong, upright stems support the heavy blooms, ensuring a tidy, reliable display. Dark green foliage provides a rich contrast throughout the season. Growing to 1.5m, ‘Polar Bear’ prefers moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Hardy and low maintenance, it is ideal for borders and statement planting in the garden.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’ – Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’ is known for its distinctive two-toned flower panicles. It starts with creamy white blooms in summer, gradually transitioning to pink and creating a striking ombre effect. This hardy deciduous shrub thrives in moist but well drained soil and prefers a partially shaded spot. Its upright, bushy habit and strong stems make it ideal as a feature in the border. ‘Pinky Winky’ provides a long-lasting display of colour, extending into autumn, and adding vibrant interest to the garden.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’ – A robust, deciduous shrub known for its large, showy blooms and sturdy structure. It features dense, dark green foliage that provides a lush backdrop for its impressive flowers. In mid to late summer, it produces abundant, round clusters of pure white flowers, which often fade to soft green as they mature. This variety is particularly valued for its strong stems, which resist flopping, ensuring the blooms remain upright. A reliable choice for borders or as a focal point. Height and Spread 2.5m. Grow in moist but well drained soil in partial shade.
Agapanthus (African Lily) – Bold, upright stems topped with blue or white spherical blooms give instant coastal elegance. Loves sun, heat and free‑draining soil. Perfect for pots or borders, and brings a clean, modern Hamptons‑style feel.
2. Structural & Architectural Trees
To give your garden a sense of scale and maturity, incorporate statement trees that offer multi-season interest.
Cornus kousa ‘Milky Way’ (Flowering Dogwood) – One of our favourites, this is a real statement/feature tree. Large cream coloured petal-like bracts effectively look like flowers which smoother the tree in June creating an unmistakable display, resulting in strawberry like fruits that appear alongside beautiful autumn colour. Height and spread 4-8 metres. Plant in moist but well drained, sunny/partial shade position.
Laurus nobilis (Bay) – Commonly known as Bay Laurel or Sweet Laurel, this versatile evergreen is celebrated for its aromatic leaves, culinary uses, and ornamental appeal. With dark, glossy green leaves that provide a pleasant fragrance it is a valuable addition to any garden. Grow in well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Magnolia grandiflora (Evergreen Magnolia) – An iconic evergreen tree renowned for its large, fragrant, white flowers that bloom sporadically throughout the summer, it adds dramatic beauty to any landscape. The glossy, dark green leaves are complemented by a brown underside, creating visual interest year-round. Hardy and low maintenance, it’s a timeless favourite for both formal and informal gardens. Height 12m+
Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acidic soil in a sheltered position. Full sun or partial shade.
3. The Coastal Textures
While the Hamptons style leans towards traditional estate gardening, incorporating a few select Mediterranean and architectural plants enhances that breezy, coastal resort atmosphere.
Olea europaea (Olive Tree) – These are attractive, slow-growing evergreens of Mediterranean origin. They form an oval-rounded head of small silvery-grey leaves, with tiny creamy white fragrant flowers appearing in summer, followed closely by cool-green olives that ripen to deep purple black. Perfect for drought tolerant/Mediterranean schemes these specimen trees also work superbly in planters. In the UK Olives require winter protection from the hardest frosts so they benefit being in a warm, sheltered sunny spot to thrive, in well-drained fertile soil. Mature Height: 4–8 metres.
Lavender – plants for scents and structure. Easy to grow and associate well with other shrubs and perennials.
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan Palm) – Also known as the Chusan Palm, this is one of the hardiest exotic trees and one of the most attractive with its crown of large fan shaped leaves. At maturity this palm tree bares clusters of yellow flowers in summer followed with blueish black nonedible fruits. T. fortune is ideal for jungle planting schemes and exotic gardens. Grow in full sun to dappled shade, moist but well-drained, fertile soil. Instantly adds a coastal vibe to any garden.
Ready to transform your space?
Whether you are looking to plant a single statement Cornus kousa or design an entire hydrangea-filled border, we grow and select only the highest quality specimens suited to UK gardens. Visit us at the nursery this week to see our Hydrangeas and architectural trees in full leaf, or speak to one of our team for experts.
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to start the first step of your journey with us then get in touch to book our consultancy service.
For just £75*, our experienced horticulturalists will provide tailored guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re interested in fast-growing solutions for quick impact, seeking the enduring beauty of evergreen plants or looking to add colour and fragrance, we can offer expert advice.
**£75 fee applies if you live within a 15-mile radius of our office. Additional fees apply outside this area. All costs include VAT.