The design of a cottage garden evokes a certain rustic romance. Fragrant collections of roses and daisies are traversed by pathways framed by vines. An old picket fence is adorned by sweet peas. Towering delphiniums and foxgloves command the space. Maybe you have a seat on a bench and enjoy a moment in the thriving garden. You may even see fruit or vegetables tucked in among the display, and if you watch closely you may even glimpse wildlife, like squirrels, bees, birds, or even a fox.
Cottage gardens were originally grown by pioneering families who needed to take full advantage of the space available to them, growing medicinal herbs and food to support them. Nowadays, the thought of a cottage garden brings forth an image of overgrown colorful flowers in abundance all around.
Cottage Garden Design
For whatever reason you want to create a cottage garden, perhaps you want the low upkeep, or you want to grow flowers and vegetables together in the same beds, maximizing your space, it may not be as difficult as you are imagining. This is because a cottage garden isn’t structured and rigid the way most formal gardens are.
If you plant a few of your favorite old fashioned plants, and add a few elements like pathways, and perhaps a fence, then you have already got the basic concept. You don’t necessarily need a cottage to have a cottage style garden. You may consider adding some shutters or a trellis to your home to increase the rustic feel.
Structures
You will want some structural elements in your cottage garden, in order to provide some form.
A fence is a great addition. Consider painting it the same color as your house. Picket fences are most commonly used, but any type of wooden fence is appropriate. Consider adding a gate as well to add to the cottage feel. You may also consider adding elements such as arches, trellises, or arbors.
Pathways
No cottage garden will be complete without some pathways so you can get around and enjoy it. As your garden won’t have much grass, pathways will be essential to exploring it. Be sure to keep the size of the paths proportional to the garden.
If you want an intimate and cozy feel to your garden, choose paths that are narrower. This will make it feel like your garden is giving you a big hug. Make the paths wider if you have a partner you would like to walk side by side with. You can use any material you choose for laying the path. Gravel and concrete are commonly used in this setting.
Planning the Garden
You will want to have an idea about where the different elements of your garden will lay before you begin the construction. Pathways will typically be laid first. After you have your paths in place, you can begin to outline the garden beds.
It’s recommended that you keep your paths less than 10 feet wide for ease of maintenance. Wider beds are ok as long as you can access it from all sides. Make sure you have a good soil in place before you begin the planting process.
While grass is not typically an element found in a cottage garden, it may be necessary if you have pets or children, or a very large yard. Sometimes the addition of grass can be a nice contrast to the masses of flowers. It’s really up to you, remember this is your garden, and you can design it any way you like!
Plants
For maximum impact, group similar plants together. If you are planting single plants, choose large ones that will stand out on their own. Use a repeating color scheme to give some sense of order within the chaos.
Consider the texture of plants as well. Mix plants with different shapes, heights, and textures together for a more pleasing display. You may also consider the use of a few small trees.
Shrubs give form and function to your garden space, and adding vines to fences and trellis’ can be a nice touch as well. Don’t forget the perennials and annuals!
Follow these steps (or don’t!) and you are well on your way to having a magnificent cottage garden.