The other morning, I stepped out into my backyard garden and was completely swept away by the magical mix of colors and sweet smells.
It reminded me of those dreamy English cottage gardens I’d always swooned over on Pinterest.
That’s when I realized you don’t need an actual cottage to create this enchanting style – and I’m excited to share how you can bring this charm to your own space!
What is a Cottage Garden?
Back in the day, English cottage gardens were practical little spaces stuffed right next to homes. Think of them as the original “waste not, want not” gardens!
These gardens weren’t just pretty – they had to earn their keep by providing food and medicines for the family.
What I absolutely love about cottage gardens is how flexible they are. Whether you’ve got a huge suburban yard like mine, a tiny city plot, or even just some containers on your patio, you can totally make this style work.
Design Idea 1: Choose Plants That Do Double Duty
Plant List 1
You know how we moms are always multitasking? Well, that’s exactly what these plants do! They look gorgeous AND they’re useful.
I’ve fallen in love with growing herbs like rosemary, lavender, and thyme. Not only do they smell amazing, but I can snip them fresh for cooking too!
Some of my other favorites are chamomile (perfect for afternoon tea), verbena, oregano, and nasturtiums (their flowers are edible and look beautiful in salads).
Height Planning
Just like arranging a family photo, you’ll want to think about height! Put your tall plants like verbena in the back, and let shorter plants like oregano and nasturtiums hang out in front.
Design Idea 2: Mix Edibles and Ornamentals
Remember when your mom told you to eat your vegetables? Well, in a cottage garden, the vegetables are part of the show!
I’ve discovered that planting calendula and geraniums near my green beans actually helps attract more bees. It’s like hosting a little pollinator party in your garden!
My cucumber patch really took off when I added some facilia flowers nearby. And let me tell you about the gorgeous combo of pulmonaria and brunera next to my pea plants – it’s like they were made for each other!
Design Idea 3: Use Perennials and Self-Seeding Annuals
Plant List 2
This is where the magic happens, folks! I’m all about plants that come back year after year or reseed themselves – it’s like getting free plants!
Some of my absolute favorites are hollyhocks (they remind me of my grandmother’s garden), foxgloves, and peonies. They’re like old friends that come back to visit each spring.
For that wildflower look, I sprinkle in some cornflowers, poppies, and sunflowers. My kids absolutely love watching the sunflowers grow taller than they are!
Design Idea 4: Keep It Packed and Overflowing
You know how we’re always telling our kids to give each other some space? Well, cottage gardens break that rule – in a good way!
I’ve learned that when plants grow close together, they actually help each other out. It’s like they’re having their own little block party!
The soil stays healthier, and I’ve noticed way fewer pest problems since I started packing my plants together. Plus, all those flowers bring in tons of butterflies and bees.
Design Idea 5: Go Vertical
Reasons for Vertical Growing
Let me tell you about my game-changing garden discovery – growing up instead of out! It’s perfect if you’re short on space like I was.
Even if you’ve got shade from your house or fence, vertical growing lets you make the most of every inch.
Plant List 4
I’m obsessed with clematis and honeysuckle on my fence. The scent when they bloom is better than any air freshener!
Climbing roses are another favorite – they remind me of those fairy tale gardens I used to dream about.
Vertical Structures
You don’t need fancy equipment either! I started with simple lattices, but now I’ve added a cute pergola that my husband helped build (after much convincing!).
If you’ve got a sunny wall, try creating a green wall with vines. It’s like giving your house a living wallpaper!
Creating a cottage garden isn’t about following strict rules – it’s about creating a space that makes you happy every time you step outside. Start small, experiment with different plants, and watch as your garden grows into something truly magical.