A cottage garden is characterized by its informal and romantic style, filled with a variety of plants that create a vibrant and colorful display. When planning a cottage garden, it’s important to consider the types of plants that will thrive in your specific climate and growing conditions.
One of the key elements of a cottage garden is the use of low-growing or mounding annuals and shrubs. These plants create a dense and lush appearance, filling in the spaces between taller plants. Some popular choices for low-growing plants in a cottage garden include lavender, dianthus, violas, and sweet alyssum. These plants not only add color and texture to the garden, but they also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
In addition to low-growing plants, it’s important to include plants with vertical flower spikes in a cottage garden. These taller plants act as accents and provide a contrast to the lower-growing plants. Some classic choices for vertical accents in a cottage garden include lilies, foxgloves, hollyhocks, and delphiniums. These plants can be placed at the back of borders or along fences and walls to bring much-needed height to the overall planting design.
When selecting plants for a cottage garden, it’s also important to consider their bloom times and colors. A cottage garden is typically filled with a mix of flowers in various shades and hues, creating a visually stunning display. By choosing plants that bloom at different times throughout the year, you can ensure that your cottage garden will have color and interest throughout the seasons.
Some other plants that are commonly found in cottage gardens include roses, peonies, hydrangeas, and clematis. These larger flowering shrubs and climbers add a sense of romance and elegance to the garden. They can be trained onto trellises or allowed to sprawl in a more naturalistic manner.
In addition to flowers, don’t forget to include some foliage plants in your cottage garden. Plants with interesting foliage, such as ferns, hostas, and heucheras, can add texture and depth to the overall design. These plants are especially useful for filling in empty spaces and providing a backdrop for the more showy flowers.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to include some edible plants in your cottage garden. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme not only add fragrance and beauty to the garden but also provide fresh ingredients for cooking. You can also consider including some vegetables or fruits, such as strawberries or tomatoes, to create a truly functional and productive cottage garden.
The key to creating a successful cottage garden is to embrace a mix of plants that will thrive in your climate and growing conditions. By including a variety of low-growing plants, vertical accents, foliage plants, and even edibles, you can create a charming and vibrant garden that will be a joy to behold throughout the seasons.
