Cottage Gardens

"God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done..."
Author Unknown.

Cottage gardens are busy places, densely packed planting schemes, normally a mix of perennials, self-seeding annuals and herbs. Originating during Elizabethan times, they were for practical purposes, for producing fruit, herbs and vegetables for the family, with perennials grown in between for decoration.

Cottage garden style became fashionable during the arts and crafts movement, a typical cottage garden is charming and full of character. Planting is informal, with self seeders filling any gaps left by the traditional perennials, scented climbers and rambling roses climbing over classic pergolas, and can include herbs and a modern addition of ornamental grasses.

Cottage gardens are great for biodiversity, attracting bees, butterflies, moths, birds and other species.

Eco-friendly planting can be achieved by using plants which are native to your own area, and careful consideration of the soil will determine which of the cottage-garden favourites will be successful growing in your new garden.