A cottage garden is an informal, blossom-filled alternative to a manicured green lawn and border plants. Discover how to create one now on Gardener’s Path.
Horticulturist and garden writer Tovah Martin shares a peek inside her own garden. Spring’s onslaught always catches me by surprise.
English cottage gardens have a whimsical charm that has captured the heart of many a gardener over the centuries. Create the romantic cottage garden of your dreams with these easy tips!
simplicity % Style
Everyone needs a porch. Growing up in Alabama I don’t think I ever saw a house without a porch. There was the sleep porch, the summer porch, the kitchen porch, the screened in porch, storage porch, front porch, back porch, dog porch, well you get the idea. But porches have evolved over the years to today where a porch looks and feels as good as your living room, and you find yourself spending more and more time on the porch. The romantic porch will have a cozy niche for morning coffee or a swing for afternoon nap or a comfy wicker chair for a refreshing glass of sweet tea Then again some porches even offer a fireplace for a chilly evening sipping a glass of good Merlot. Wherever your needs or wants are in regard to outdoor living I am sure one of the pictures below is sure to please. I call this the charming Cottage Porch The Afternoon Dinner Porch The Party Porch The cozy Tea for Two Porch Country Charm Porch This Country Porch is good for Showcasing your antiques The Sleeping Porch The good ole fashion Swing Porch The Plant Porch The Elongated Porch Classic Slatted Low-Maintenance Eucalyptus Rocker The Cat Porch The Company Porch The Living Room Porch The Backyard Porch The Lovely Sitting Porch The hardest part of creating a romantic, cozy unique porch is finding the furniture. One of my favorite online shops is Plow and Hearth. Take a look at some of their products below and click on the site and review all of their unique pieces. The following hard to find Cottage Garden Furniture is found on Shop Plow and Hearth For All Your Home and Gardening Needs Forest Stewardship Council Certified Eucalyptus Reclining Lounge Chair Best Quality Lounge Chair 41" x 17" Weather-Resistant Outdoor Classic Swing/Bench Cushion Our porch swings speak of an unhurried way of life. Prospect Hill Outdoor Resin Wicker Chair Glider Our best-selling, all-weather Prospect Hill Outdoor Resin Wicker Glider Set is ideal for leisurely outdoor.. Prospect Hill Outdoor Resin Wicker Love Seat Glider
OK, we’re back with another look at a garden style, and I suspect this one is a bit more relatable to most people: the good ol’ cottage garden. We’ve already looked at modern gardens and formal gardens, but now it’s time to loosen things up a little. C O T T A G E G A R D E N […]
To mark the publication of their new book, 'The Land Gardeners: Cut Flowers', Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy take us through a year in the gardens at Wardington Manor in Oxfordshire, where their horticultural business is based.
The tiniest estate buildings can make wonderful homes, says John Tanner, who transformed a 600sq ft gardener’s bothy at Gunton Hall.
Barbara Worl's life was one long, joyous love affair—with gardens and garden makers, with plants and roses, with her dear neighbors, with her Indiana family and the Bell family, with the cats who sunned themselves on the paths, and with the songbirds who swooped and chirped all through the garden.
The recently-published book The English Gardener’s Garden proves, in 2023, there are a myriad of definitions of what an English garden is.
The playhouse
To mark the publication of their new book, 'The Land Gardeners: Cut Flowers', Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy take us through a year in the gardens at Wardington Manor in Oxfordshire, where their horticultural business is based.
The spectacle of the Double Herbaceous Borders at RHS Wisley at the height of summer! I definitely have Border Envy though I appreciate how much work goes into this long-lasting display. Such healt…
A Gardener's Cottage By J. B. Papworth - Posters and prints on paper or canvas by standard digital or deluxe giclee printing.
Alys Fowler, presenter for TV’s Gardener’s World, picks mint in her 18m x 6m back garden where she grows a mix of fruit, herbs, decorative flowers and vegetables in packed borders. © Nicola Stocken Tomkins. Countryside April 2011.
To mark the publication of their new book, 'The Land Gardeners: Cut Flowers', Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy take us through a year in the gardens at Wardington Manor in Oxfordshire, where their horticultural business is based.
The primary goal of these cottage gardens is to be beautiful - to make the heart glad - but they also serve a deeper purpose as we use the flowers.
ExPLoReD on 27th October 2013 - No 91. Thanks very much everyone for your comments and faves. In the background is the National Trust holiday cottage at Polesden Lacey, and in the foreground is the cutting garden - flowers for the big house. In Surrey, England.
I've been pinning up a storm lately! I'm feeling open to suggestions. The season changed, the weather is warmer and I'm looki...
There are only so many hours in the day following a Chelsea Flower Show, and much to my chagrin I did not get around to writing about Hay Joung Hwang’s debut show garden in 2016. There…
Love cottage gardens? We show you how to plant one in a pot, using scabious, aquilegia and sweet rocket.
What plants are used in a cottage garden ? See for yourself with this helpful infographic.
Plan a Cottage garden today and enjoy a spring floral show. Planning a Cottage Garden does not take a lot of work, but will take any inspiration and creativity. A Garden Cottage is whimsical and naturalistic, and it speaks to you, “Come, stroll, stay awhile.” A good cottage garden plan will incorporate many elements, including a butterfly garden, a small water feature, curved paths, quiet sitting areas, seasonal plants and a herb garden. Cottage Garden’s tend to clutter plants, and they have a burst of color from traditional cottage garden plants, hollyhocks, foxglove, four o’clock, delphiniums, daisies, coneflowers, Echinaceas and last but certainly not least is the lovely roses. The first steps in planning your cottage gardens are listed below: 1. Make a list of the elements and ideas you want in your cottage garden and draw your cottage garden on paper (it is easier to erase than transplant) 2. Make a list of trees, plants and seasonal plants to buy 3. Garden by thirds, evergreens, deciduous plants, seasonal plants 4. If you have room for it, add a small garden shed. 5. Add some visual interest such as large pots or flower containers 6. Add sitting areas or quiet spots 7. Add yard art, such as Birdhouses. Clubhouse Birdhouse Step One: Plan the Design The Quaint English Cottage Garden style is free form, but there are certain consistent elements in every cottage garden. Take a long look at your yard, then draw a sketch of the perimeters and put your thoughts on paper first. It is a lot easier to use an eraser than re-digging with a shovel. Try to incorporate some soft flowing curves so when you are walking each little turn should bring a surprise. Plan your Cottage Garden to meander with curves. A curving walkway delivers more photographic interest than a straight path and accentuates the garden around it. Create curves around points of interest like a scented tree or bush, boulder, and a lush floral container planter. Step Two: Buildings and Structures If you plan to add a Garden Shed, building, wall or any other permanent structure, now is the time to add it. Garden Sheds can enhance the appeal, interest, and usability of your Garden. They can be a simple design or a whimsical Cottage structure. Walls and fences can frame your property beautifully and use them is such a great backyard landscaping idea because they will just accent all of your other wonderful backyard landscaping ideas. They will frame your yard as picture frames a gorgeous painting. Look at this kind of backyard landscaping idea as well in your search for the one. Step Three: Sitting Area All Cottage Gardens should have a quiet spot for reading and relaxing. A single bench or chair at the end of the path suggests “takes a seat and smells the roses” Wicker furniture popular in the 19th century remains as charming today as ever. A Cottage Garden essential is the Trellis or Arbor. Climbing roses or clematis will add height and scale to your Cottage Garden plan. Step Four: HardScape Another good backyard landscaping idea is to use hardscape. This is the use of things like gates, Trellises, large rocks, fences, and walls. These can make your yard look fascinating during all of the seasons. You can have climbing plants on it in the summer and spring and pretty trees around it that will look great in the winter. When looking for a good backyard landscaping idea you need to look for other options besides just plants. There is much more to landscaping than just plants and trees. Step Five: Plant the Large Trees A good backyard landscaping idea is to use trees and stout bushes. They will add a stately nature to the feel of your home while keeping it welcoming and warm. They will give the yard the structure and the stability that it needs for a good backyard landscaping idea and design. A small dogwood tree or weeping cherry lend height and width to landscape and in the spring delight with visually spectacular blossoms. Deciduous shrubs such as lilacs and tree peonies lack winter leaves, but their wooden structure holds interest and form in the winter and in the spring they excel. Step Six: Seasonal Plants These plants are typically the flowering plants of spring and summer, and a garden would not be a garden without them. They are considered the lifeblood of the garden border. These seasonal plants come in an array of color and heights. When selecting these plants, consider their overall contribution to the garden in regards to duration of bloom, when they bloom and their sense of place in the garden. If your aim is to have a naturalistic garden, then vary the seasonal plants along the garden as to shape, height, and foliage to give it a true cottage garden appeal. Step Seven: Decorative or Antique Ornaments This is where you can let your creativity soar. Birdhouse and Birdbaths are an eye appealing yard art, but you can also use an old wheelbarrow, butterfly house, Urns, Statues, Armillary-Sundials and old watering cans. The ideas are too numerous to list.
In the very heart of Edinburgh. This was used as Aunt Lizzie's Cottage in the "Teacup Travels" BBC children's series.
The tiniest estate buildings can make wonderful homes, says John Tanner, who transformed a 600sq ft gardener’s bothy at Gunton Hall.
Brick Garden Shed Oh dear, how lovely is this? I can almost imagine sitting in this grade, gathering my tools from this shed and disappearing for a while. Discovered via Tumblr User gardengallery More garden shed ideas from Amazon.com: Previously in Garden Decor: Over-the-top Garden Shed 30 Amazing Downspout Ideas Garden gate made from re-purposed tools Moss …
A review of The Flower Yard by Arthur Parkinson, an insight into his flamboyant and inspirational container garden.
In an extract from his new book, The Cottage Garden, Danish gardening sensation Claus Dalby talks us through one of the best private gardens in England, Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire
On Tuesday, after checking out of Lusty Beg we did a detour past Florence Court before heading back home. We'd wanted to go last year when we were in Fermanagh, but for whatever reason, we didn't get there. It was a pretty rainy day, not the best day for wandering around gardens and grounds, but after a while, it did dry up a little bit. Yay! Rose Cottage, where the gardener used to live. So pretty, I'd live there. I think that's our trips and mini breaks done for a while now. We've been away more weekends lately than we've been at home and I think we're both ready for a few quiet weekends.
In an extract from his new book, The Cottage Garden, Danish gardening sensation Claus Dalby talks us through one of the best private gardens in England, Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire
Some gardens are nurtured over a lifetime but Kiftsgate Court Gardens, on the northern edge of the Cotswolds Hills, has been carefully created over three l
A cottage garden is the perfect place to escape from busy, hectic days. Creating an outdoor oasis will be well worth your time and effort.
Plan a Cottage garden today and enjoy a spring floral show. Planning a Cottage Garden does not take a lot of work, but will take any inspiration and creativity. A Garden Cottage is whimsical and naturalistic, and it speaks to you, “Come, stroll, stay awhile.” A good cottage garden plan will incorporate many elements, including a butterfly garden, a small water feature, curved paths, quiet sitting areas, seasonal plants and a herb garden. Cottage Garden’s tend to clutter plants, and they have a burst of color from traditional cottage garden plants, hollyhocks, foxglove, four o’clock, delphiniums, daisies, coneflowers, Echinaceas and last but certainly not least is the lovely roses. The first steps in planning your cottage gardens are listed below: 1. Make a list of the elements and ideas you want in your cottage garden and draw your cottage garden on paper (it is easier to erase than transplant) 2. Make a list of trees, plants and seasonal plants to buy 3. Garden by thirds, evergreens, deciduous plants, seasonal plants 4. If you have room for it, add a small garden shed. 5. Add some visual interest such as large pots or flower containers 6. Add sitting areas or quiet spots 7. Add yard art, such as Birdhouses. Clubhouse Birdhouse Step One: Plan the Design The Quaint English Cottage Garden style is free form, but there are certain consistent elements in every cottage garden. Take a long look at your yard, then draw a sketch of the perimeters and put your thoughts on paper first. It is a lot easier to use an eraser than re-digging with a shovel. Try to incorporate some soft flowing curves so when you are walking each little turn should bring a surprise. Plan your Cottage Garden to meander with curves. A curving walkway delivers more photographic interest than a straight path and accentuates the garden around it. Create curves around points of interest like a scented tree or bush, boulder, and a lush floral container planter. Step Two: Buildings and Structures If you plan to add a Garden Shed, building, wall or any other permanent structure, now is the time to add it. Garden Sheds can enhance the appeal, interest, and usability of your Garden. They can be a simple design or a whimsical Cottage structure. Walls and fences can frame your property beautifully and use them is such a great backyard landscaping idea because they will just accent all of your other wonderful backyard landscaping ideas. They will frame your yard as picture frames a gorgeous painting. Look at this kind of backyard landscaping idea as well in your search for the one. Step Three: Sitting Area All Cottage Gardens should have a quiet spot for reading and relaxing. A single bench or chair at the end of the path suggests “takes a seat and smells the roses” Wicker furniture popular in the 19th century remains as charming today as ever. A Cottage Garden essential is the Trellis or Arbor. Climbing roses or clematis will add height and scale to your Cottage Garden plan. Step Four: HardScape Another good backyard landscaping idea is to use hardscape. This is the use of things like gates, Trellises, large rocks, fences, and walls. These can make your yard look fascinating during all of the seasons. You can have climbing plants on it in the summer and spring and pretty trees around it that will look great in the winter. When looking for a good backyard landscaping idea you need to look for other options besides just plants. There is much more to landscaping than just plants and trees. Step Five: Plant the Large Trees A good backyard landscaping idea is to use trees and stout bushes. They will add a stately nature to the feel of your home while keeping it welcoming and warm. They will give the yard the structure and the stability that it needs for a good backyard landscaping idea and design. A small dogwood tree or weeping cherry lend height and width to landscape and in the spring delight with visually spectacular blossoms. Deciduous shrubs such as lilacs and tree peonies lack winter leaves, but their wooden structure holds interest and form in the winter and in the spring they excel. Step Six: Seasonal Plants These plants are typically the flowering plants of spring and summer, and a garden would not be a garden without them. They are considered the lifeblood of the garden border. These seasonal plants come in an array of color and heights. When selecting these plants, consider their overall contribution to the garden in regards to duration of bloom, when they bloom and their sense of place in the garden. If your aim is to have a naturalistic garden, then vary the seasonal plants along the garden as to shape, height, and foliage to give it a true cottage garden appeal. Step Seven: Decorative or Antique Ornaments This is where you can let your creativity soar. Birdhouse and Birdbaths are an eye appealing yard art, but you can also use an old wheelbarrow, butterfly house, Urns, Statues, Armillary-Sundials and old watering cans. The ideas are too numerous to list.
I’ve mentioned Houzz enough here that you’re probably all familiar with it, but if you’re not, you really should check it out. It’s been incredibly helpful during our renovation and I still reference my “ideabooks” there regularly. The way I use Houzz is to search a particular category and just save the photos I like. […]
The prettiest little cottage painted black—a house tour of the Gardener's Cottage. Janet's home is a mix of vintage finds and collected art
Beautiful, romantic and charming cottage flowers are yours to be had with these 30+ easy cottage flower ideas.
