Babies Breath
by Phyliss Williams
This is not a traditional choice, but it *is* a wonderful addition. The large double varieties perennial will grow almost 3 feet tall and wide! Valuable if you want to include everlastings to your garden.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Special Elements for the Cottage Garden - Part 1
Authentic Materials
Cottage gardens are as much about atmosphere as they are about the flowers and plants. You may choose to plant the "correct" flowers, but without thoughtful placement, something will be lacking: a mood, a feeling... the "atmosphere".
So. How do you create this special world?
#1 - Use Authentic Materials
Concrete was unknown in the periods when cottage garden thrived. Minimize any existing concrete in your garden by covering it with pots of flowing foliage.
Brick or flagstone pathways, or even crushed stone or bark chips, will blend with your flower beds. Be sure to plant low herbs or small flowering plants right at the edge where they will spill onto the pathway.
Avoid any polyvinyl edging or plastic flowerpots. Use only terra cotta or clay pots; wicker baskets are also terrific accents.
Use twiggy branches for staking taller plants, not wire hoops. Create a trellis effect with harvested wild grape vine branches: they'll last for years and provide a very natural background for sweet peas, morning glories, or other annual vines.
Mulching materials, where necessary, should be shredded bark or long-fibered peat moss. White marble chips or other modern processed stone will destroy your ambiance.
Cottage gardens are as much about atmosphere as they are about the flowers and plants. You may choose to plant the "correct" flowers, but without thoughtful placement, something will be lacking: a mood, a feeling... the "atmosphere".
So. How do you create this special world?
#1 - Use Authentic Materials
Concrete was unknown in the periods when cottage garden thrived. Minimize any existing concrete in your garden by covering it with pots of flowing foliage.
Brick or flagstone pathways, or even crushed stone or bark chips, will blend with your flower beds. Be sure to plant low herbs or small flowering plants right at the edge where they will spill onto the pathway.
Avoid any polyvinyl edging or plastic flowerpots. Use only terra cotta or clay pots; wicker baskets are also terrific accents.
Use twiggy branches for staking taller plants, not wire hoops. Create a trellis effect with harvested wild grape vine branches: they'll last for years and provide a very natural background for sweet peas, morning glories, or other annual vines.
Mulching materials, where necessary, should be shredded bark or long-fibered peat moss. White marble chips or other modern processed stone will destroy your ambiance.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Oregano
Oregano
by Phyliss Williams at K&W Greenery
The "Italian" herb, growing about 16" tall.
The flowers attract butterflies and bees.
Hardy perennial.
***
Next week, I'll have a post about the atmosphere of your cottage garden which is as important, if not more so, than the plants and flowers you put in it. :-)
by Phyliss Williams at K&W Greenery
The "Italian" herb, growing about 16" tall.
The flowers attract butterflies and bees.
Hardy perennial.
***
Next week, I'll have a post about the atmosphere of your cottage garden which is as important, if not more so, than the plants and flowers you put in it. :-)
Monday, November 4, 2013
Chives
Chives
by Phyliss Williams of K&W Greenery
Another hardy favorite; this perennial herb has the largest, showiest flowers. The grassy texture adds real interest to the garden, and the leaves add wonderful green onion flavor in dishes.
by Phyliss Williams of K&W Greenery
Another hardy favorite; this perennial herb has the largest, showiest flowers. The grassy texture adds real interest to the garden, and the leaves add wonderful green onion flavor in dishes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)