How to Create a Classic Cottage Garden
There is just something so timeless about a cottage garden. It feels romantic and full of life, like stepping into an old English storybook – Roses, stone walls, stepping stones, trailing Ivy, and insects buzzing all around. We often imagine these types of gardens as being large and grand, but they can be pulled together quite easily in any-sized garden – yep, even a new build one. With a little planning and effort, you can create a classic cottage garden that feels lush, colourful, and welcoming.
Capture the Spirit of the Cottage Garden
Begin by envisioning the overall feel you personally want to create in your outdoor space. A true cottage garden is informal and overflowing, brimming with native flowers. It is not a place for straight lines or tightly clipped hedges. Layers of height and texture mean there is always something interesting to see from spring through to autumn.
Plan the Layout First
Before you rush to buy your chosen plants, take some time to plan your layout. Now, no one is expecting you to become a designer overnight; a rough sketch on paper is all you’ll need to help you decide where beds, paths, patio and seating will go. Think carefully about the light your garden gets throughout the day, the shape and size of your space, which areas need to be showcased and the view from your home. Also consider the other touches you may want to include, such as a summerhouse, pond or water feature, trees, pergola and so on.
Prepare the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Improve yours with compost, leaf mould or well-rotted manure, all of which are readily available at garden centres, or perhaps you already make your own to use. A thick layer of mulch will keep moisture in and weeds out, saving you work later and giving your plants the best possible start.
Choose Plants for Colour and Texture
A cottage garden is all about layers and variety. Use tall flowers such as hollyhocks, foxgloves and delphiniums at the back of your beds to create drama and height. Add lavender, geraniums, peonies, and phlox in the middle and don’t forget your hardy alpines for some ground cover at the front. Mix in herbs like rosemary and thyme to provide some lovely aromas as you brush past, and pretty forget-me-nots to sit between stepping stones or along pathways. And finally, use climbers like sweet peas, clematis and old-fashioned roses to soften arches, walls and fences.
Care for the Garden
Although a cottage garden looks delightfully natural, it still needs regular attention. Always water well during the summer, provide a good feed during the growing seasons, and deadhead spent flowers to encourage fresh blooms. A beautiful cottage garden is a labour of love.
Keep It Budget-Friendly
Creating the garden of your dreams doesn’t have to cost a fortune. To cut costs, you could propagate plants from cuttings or divide established perennials to fill gaps for free. Swap plants with friends or neighbours and hunt for heritage or locally grown varieties that are often hardier and cheaper. Reuse old pots and salvage materials such as reclaimed wood or bricks to create edging and planters, and embrace all the small imperfections; they will just add to the charm.
Let Your Garden Evolve
The building of a classic cottage garden does not happen overnight. Once you have planned, planted, built structures and laid paths, you have to carefully tend to it all and also sit back and be patient. It takes several years for a garden to begin to mature, but once it does, you’ll see that it was all worth it.
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