When I think of Cottage Gardens I imagine my grandparents busy yet tranquil garden - paths around and through the garden, a bird house, a potager with edible fruits and vegie patches and lots and lots of densely planted old fashion flowers and shrubs complemented by a tidily kept lawn. An abundance of flowers to pick and lots to eat!
These gardens are gaining in popularity again, as more of us are thinking about “growing our own” fruit and vegetables - and attracting birdsong and bees to the garden with shrubs and flowers.
These traditionally English gardens are charming, informal and rambling, with a mixture of ornamental and edible plants and when space allowed, a lovely large tree; there are no “rules” to apply to the development of a cottage garden, so can be a fun project.
The idea you want to capture is to have gardens with curves edges, perhaps edged, then fill all the space in the garden by planting a mixture of tall and short plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables and fruit to make it interesting. Generally, Cottage gardens are easy to maintain as the dense planting helps to control weeds.
If you want the more “romantic” garden, choose plants that scented, are soft in colour (whites, pinks, blues) and mass plant them, and add a seating area in a shaded spot.
Brick or stone paths, seating, archways, bird houses, statues, large and small urns and pots, old farm gates, water features, lighting - all add to the charm of the cottage garden!
Plant Suggestions …
Roses, Roses, Roses – climbing, rambling, bush, and standard
Edging Plants– Buxus hedging, Liriope, Ophiopogon (Mondo grasses), Stachys (Lambs ear)
Low plants – Agapanthus, Alyssum, Dianthus, Verbena, Marigold, Pansy, Petunia, calendula, thyme, parsley
Medium plants - Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Delphinium, Hollyhock, Iris, Penstemon, Shasta Daisy, Salvia, Sunflower, Zinnia
Shrubs - Lavender, Gardenia, Hydrangea, Rosemary, Blue Berry
Climbing Plants – Honeysuckle, Clematis, Jasmine
Small Trees - Acer (Japanese Maple), Camellia, Feijoa, Michelia, Protea, Standard/Dwarf fruit trees, Topiary - Buxus Cones/Balls
Larger Evergreen Trees – Frangipani, Laurus Nobilis (Bay Tree), Magnolia