You can achieve the charm of a garden cottage by planting traditional cottage plants. These plants include delphinium, hydrangea, catmint, pinks, and old-fashioned hollyhocks. But you need to be very careful about the growing conditions in your area. In addition, you should use these plants in mass to get the most effective.
Plants grown in cottage gardens
The plants grown in a cottage garden should be hardy and adaptable to the soil, moisture levels, and light conditions. In addition to flowers, a cottage garden can also include ornamental objects like window boxes or hanging baskets. You can also add a chicken coop or bee hive for added charm and functionality. Remember to incorporate colorful accessories to make the space more appealing.
Lavender is a must for any cottage garden as it has a heavenly scent that permeates the entire area. These flowers have two to three-foot stems with tiny blue or white bell-shaped blooms. These flowers are also great bedding plants. They grow best in sunny borders but can be grown in containers.
Traditional cottage gardens use a mix of showy and useful plants in an unstructured style. They feature flowering plants paired with shrubs and low-growing perennials. While this approach is popular and can look lovely in any yard, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for every climate zone. Therefore, you’ll need to carefully choose plants that will thrive in your growing area.
Characteristics of a garden cottage
Cottage gardens are often low-maintenance and have a simple aesthetic. Their borders are often a few feet high, and they have an air of the enclosure. A wall or stone wall around the outside of the cottage provides support for the garden, and a low hedge surrounds the front of the house. The beds themselves may be as wide or small as needed. Many of these gardens have a small lawn or mulched area, and there is little or no wall-to-wall carpeting.
A garden cottage often has a wooden picket fence. In days past, these fences kept wild animals out and domestic animals in. They also helped to contain livestock. A fence and a gate are functional pieces in the garden, and they should complement the cottage’s overall style.
Cottage gardens use a diverse selection of plants. They often contain herbs and vegetables. They also feature trellises and spires of climbing roses. Climbers and groundcovers also play an important role in a cottage garden.
Common plants found in a garden cottage
There are several common plants that look lovely in a garden cottage. They are easy to grow and add color to your garden. Lupins are one such plant and can be a striking contrast to roses. They prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Honeysuckle is another popular plant that bears fragrant tubular flowers. These plants can be grown in pots or trained up in a pergola.
Shrubs are another important plant to include in a cottage garden. Both deciduous and evergreen varieties provide color and structure to the garden. Plants that bloom in the spring and summer are ideal for a cottage garden. Small trees can add height and structural stability to your garden. Small fruit trees are also perfect for cottage gardens as they can be thinned to fit a small space.
English cottage gardens are classic examples of this type of garden. These gardens are a mix of flowering and edible plants. The aim is to create a beautiful, natural atmosphere that doesn’t require much planning or maintenance. These gardens were originally developed in the 18th century as an antidote to rigid formal garden designs. They are typically full of flowers and are complemented by a simple design with a meandering path.
Cost to maintain a garden cottage
It costs money to build and maintain a garden cottage. The cost is typically higher than annuals and should be treated as an investment. Many perennials are ideal for cottage gardens, including Digitalis, lavender, Geranium, penstemon, hollyhocks, and Delphiniums.
The main cost of building and maintaining a garden is hard landscaping. However, there are ways to save money on this part of the project by using less expensive materials. For instance, you can use recycled bricks, leftover rubble, and pieces of logs for winding borders. By using locally sourced materials, you’ll be able to get a quality garden without breaking the bank. And when it comes to cost, it’s always good to plan.
If you’re planning to rent out your cottage, you should consider renting it out for additional income. This income can help to offset the costs of building the cottage. A rental income can also cover the costs in the long run. However, it’s important to do your research before you start construction.
