Elements of a Cottage Garden

Every year about this time I start missing my garden spaces. I look across the expanse of my snow-dusted lawn and start making plans for spring and summer. Today I’m pondering the elements of a cottage garden.

 

A quaint garden shade is a classic element of any cottage garden. Anything that gives your eye a focal point since cottage gardens tend to be a little on the wild side.

 

When it comes to flowers in a cottage garden, Morning Glories are a must. They’re super easy to grow and will ramble and scramble over anything.

 

Roses on a white picket fence are another favorite among avid gardeners. It conjures memories of grandma and days gone by.

 

Cottage gardens typically have a variety of accents to add dimension to the landscape. A cute painted chair provides a place to rest when pulling weeds – or use it to display a pot of flowers.

 

Other structures in a cottage include arbors. They can stand alone as an architectural element, or plant a vine or rambling rose to scramble over them.

 

Cottage gardens tend to be free form and wander across the landscape. If your yard is large, add a couple of garden stations where you can keep spades and extra pots for planting.

 

Flower pots are a staple of the cottage garden. Mixed flowers are always pretty, especially when set upon the newel of a garden fence. I like to strategically place potted impatiens in my shade gardens to add a pop of color.

 

Keep flower pots simple, like a woven basket filled with pretty nasturtiums.

 

I like the carefree simplicity of a cottage garden. Some people like more formal landscapes. What type of garden do you prefer?

 

More Garden Inspiration to Enjoy:

My New Garden Pond

Upstate New York Garden Tour

Collection of Spring Bulb Gardens

Oak Brook Garden Tour

Garden Planning Ideas for Your Home