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.