Creating a cottage garden had always seemed overwhelming until I discovered these 10 essential plants.
These traditional favorites have transformed my ordinary backyard into a whimsical retreat that looks like it’s straight out of an English countryside painting.
If you’re dreaming of your own cottage garden, these tried-and-true plants are exactly where you need to start!
1. Holly Hawks (Alcea)
Every time I look at my hollyhocks reaching toward the sky, I’m reminded of those charming Cotswold cottages I’ve seen in pictures. These stunning flowers are the true stars of any cottage garden.
They’ve become my go-to for adding height along my garden walls, and I love how easy they are to grow from seed.
My kids get so excited helping me collect the seeds in late summer to plant for next year’s display.
2. English Lavender (Lavandula)
I’ll never forget the day I planted my first lavender bush – now it’s spread into the most beautiful purple cascade along my garden path.
The scent is absolutely heavenly, and I use the dried sprigs in my linen closet just like my grandmother used to do.
It’s incredibly low-maintenance too – just a quick trim in late summer keeps it looking fresh and full.
3. Delphiniums
These gorgeous spikes of blue and purple flowers have become the backdrop of all my summer garden photos.
I learned the hard way that they need good support – now I always keep bamboo canes handy to help them stand tall.
Every four years, I divide them to keep them healthy, and they’ve rewarded me with the most spectacular display year after year.
4. Common Peony (Peonia officinalis)
Oh, the joy when my peonies burst into bloom! Their bowl-shaped pink flowers are simply breathtaking.
While they don’t flower for long, those few weeks of beauty and fragrance make them absolutely worth the wait.
I made sure to plant mine in the sunniest spot of the garden, and they’ve thrived there ever since.
5. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
This herb has become my garden’s MVP – not only does it look beautiful, but I use it constantly in my cooking.
The butterflies absolutely adore it, and my kids love watching them flutter around the colorful blooms.
I’ve planted both the traditional variety and some newer cultivars like Summer Jewel, which adds lovely pink touches to my herb garden.
6. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus)
These climbing beauties have stolen my heart with their incredible fragrance and delicate blooms.
I’ve created a sweet pea tunnel using bamboo canes that my children love running through.
They make the most amazing cut flowers, and I always have a fresh bunch on my kitchen windowsill during summer.
7. Stocks (Matthiola)
The sweet perfume of stocks drifting through my open windows on summer evenings is pure bliss.
I’ve planted them near our patio seating area, where we can enjoy their fragrance during family dinners outside.
They’re so versatile – I grow them both in borders and in containers on my porch.
8. Fox Gloves (Digitalis)
These tall beauties have transformed the shady corner of my garden into a magical woodland scene.
While I make sure to teach my children not to touch them (they’re toxic), we love watching the bees disappear into their bell-shaped flowers.
They self-seed readily, creating new surprises each year in unexpected places.
9. Pot Marigolds (Calendula officinalis)
These cheerful flowers were the first ones I planted with my children when we started our garden journey.
They’re practically foolproof to grow, making them perfect for little helping hands.
I dry some of the petals each year to make a soothing salve – a tradition passed down from my mother.
10. Canterbury Bells (Campanula)
These delicate bell-shaped blooms add such a romantic touch to my garden borders.
The bees absolutely love them, and we enjoy watching them buzz from flower to flower on sunny afternoons.
With regular deadheading, they give us a second showing of blooms, extending their enchanting display well into the season.