What Is A Cottage Garden?

In quick response: A Cottage Garden Begins with an Informal Garden But A Cottage Garden Is More than a Garden–It is an Attitude–It is a Way of Life,

I have created cottage gardens in several states, and the following characterizes all of my cottage gardens:

• My Cottage Gardens are Informal
• My Cottage Gardens Seem to be Carefree, but that Is a Misconception; I work very hard and plan continuously to create that carefree air,
• My Cottage Gardens Are Outdoor Living Spaces
• My Cottage Gardens Define Who I Am.
• My Cottage Gardens are Kitchen Gardens. I Intemix Vegetables and Flowers.

Better Homes and Gardens online has a great article that details the elements of cottage garden, frdign

Image Credit: BHG

“Cottage gardens don’t look designed. In fact, they’re usually exuberant, free-flowering, and sometimes a bit unrestrained. To get the informal look, avoid planting in straight lines or defined patterns. Let plants cascade over paths and weave through one another. It adds to their charm. And grow self-seeding plants that pop up in unexpected places.

Grow Old-Fashioned Flowers

‘Cottage gardens aren’t about new varieties. They’re usually filled with the same traditional favorites your grandmother might have grown. Some popular examples include peonies, cosmos, foxgloves, snapdragons, pansies, bachelor’s buttons, columbines, bleeding hearts, and hollyhocks.

 

Select Homey Furniture

‘Turn your cottage garden into an outdoor living space by adding comfortable furniture. Avoid anything contemporary. Instead look for Adirondack, wicker, or painted metal shellback chairs. The furniture doesn’t have to match. Part of the charm is how informal it is, and an eclectic mix fits right in.” BHG

Look for Soft, Romantic Plants

Most cottage gardens have a romantic feel. Part of that sensibility comes from the flowers. Look for blooms in soft pastel shades. Also look for plants packed with petals, such as peonies and old roses. As an added bonus, many of these varieties are also wonderfully fragrant.

 

Look for Materials With Character

Cottage gardens often include structures made from natural or well-worn materials. Weathered wood fences, arbors, and gates are right at home among a collection of cottage plants.

“Create soft meandering pathways instead of those that follow a straight, structured line. Many paving materials work in cottage gardens, including wood chips, stone, old bricks, and flagstone.”