Even if you don't live in a cottage, there's something universally appealing about cottage garden ideas. Informal and more traditional in style, they're a space where flowers and voluptuous borders generally steal the show.
Romantic, whimsical and with an 'anything goes' attitude, traditional cottage gardens would have been full of edible plants and even livestock, whereas today, they tend to favour wildflower planting and natural materials to create a space bursting with colour and texture.
And, if you're the owner of a small, urban garden, don't be discouraged. You don’t have to live in a picture-postcard thatched cottage in the English countryside for this type of garden design. The look can work just as well on a smaller scale for a flower-filled city garden too.
Article continues below1. Introduce tall features to give the impression of space
Whatever garden style you're going for, it's always wise to consider the vertical space. Using plants and features of different heights helps to create interest at all levels for a fuller, more impactful display.
Obelisks are a good structural feature that suit a cottage garden well – whether placed in a large container or amongst other blooms in a deep border. Perfect for climbing plants, sculptures like this can provide height and character, as can the trees such as birch. Just make sure you follow the guidelines regarding which trees should be pruned in spring.
We also like the use of Corten steel in this small plot – for both the garden edging and the central water feature. It brings warmth and contrast against the pale gravel, as well as structural appeal.
This Nicoman 5m Corten Lawn Edging from Amazon will give you a similar look.
2. Create shapes with topiary-trimmed trees and hedges
Topiary is tons of fun to play around with, and not too tricky with a bit of practice. In a cottage garden, give yourself a head start by planting the fastest growing hedges, and then try using neatly clipped evergreens to provide a sense of structure against all the lush blooms – whether they're framing a doorway, lining a cottage path, or containing a raised bed.
There are all kinds of shapes to try, from cones to clouds. Here, a cottage garden patio is kept simple yet elegant with the white flowers – including lupins, a cottage-garden classic – contrasting against the shades of green.
3. Use natural materials for an authentic cottage garden feel
Cottage gardens take a relaxed feel in comparison to sleek, contemporary modern garden ideas. A great way to enhance this vibe is to add handmade features, made from natural materials, into the mix.
For instance, garden edging made from woven hazel has an artisanal appeal and is perfect for putting alongside borders to subtly contain all the flowers within. We love the laid-back curves used here too, for that softer look.
These rustic woven hurdles are made from sustainable coppiced hazel branches and are perfect for defining the edges of beds, paths and vegetable patches.
Or, try these decorative willow edging panels to define the perimeters of your cottage garden.
4. Go for easy-grow perennials
There are tons of perennials that make perfect choices for cottage-style, low maintenance gardens. Think hardy geraniums, for starters. They're ideal for pollinators and available in a wide range of stunning varieties from the prolific purple 'Rozanne' to the elegant 'Kashmir White'.
Other plants that will come back year after year include nepeta with its spikes of violet blooms and aromatic foliage, as well as Alchemilla mollis with its pleasingly scalloped leaves and lime-yellow flowers. As demonstrated above, they make a delightful summer duo for the border, especially with a rambling rose as a backdrop.
Although you may be tempted to fill a cottage-style garden with every plant you can find, it might be wise to hold back ever so slightly. "Make a list of the plants you want to include, then go back over the list and tick the ones you most want," says garden designer Fi Boyle. "You may be a self-confessed 'plantaholic' like me, and simply want everything, but it is definitely best to limit the palette. Less is more, as the saying goes.
"By having groups of the same plant repeated through a border you create a rhythm which helps the border to hang together and feel less busy," she adds.
Award-winning garden designer and head of Fi Boyle Garden Landscape Design & Consultancy, Fi has a wealth of experience designing pools, both natural and traditional, in UK gardens.
5. Position a bird bath amongst the cottage garden blooms
Cottage gardens are a celebration of vibrant colours and life, so why not encourage feathered friends to pay a visit to your plot?
One way to do so is to think of ways to bring birds into your garden, such as introducing a bird bath amongst your borders – old stone designs will fit right into the theme and provide a visual focal point. What's more, watching the birds flit to and fro as they take a drink or wash their wings will bring delight to any onlooker.
We love how this design has been surrounded by hot-hued blooms – including the likes of marigolds and geums.
The distressed paintwork finish of this standing bird bath gives it an aged, weathered look that will fit perfectly into your cottage garden.
Or, if space is limited, pop this Verdigris Leaf Bird Bath on a garden wall or patio instead to invite birds into your space.
6. Create an air of mystery with hidden gateways
Garden gates come in all shapes and sizes, but more traditional-looking designs can make lovely additions to cottage-style plots. This wooden one is a good example with its classic metal detailing, but picket-style looks work well, too.
Punctuating an old stone wall and surrounded by plenty of climbing plants and luscious borders, it adds a real sense of intrigue to the scene. If you're looking to separate garden 'rooms' or simply provide a greater sense of security from the outside world, then this is definitely an idea to consider.
7. Make a kitchen garden area
Traditionally, the purpose of the cottage garden was to grow staple produce like peas, beans, cabbages, onions, leeks and carrots, but also a wide array of herbs used in cooking and for medicinal purposes.
So, for a true cottage-garden feel, grow produce amongst the flowers in whatever space you have. If you have the luxury of more space, dedicated raised garden beds could be created in a sunny south-facing area so you have a vegetable garden patch to help feed your family.
8. Embrace classic charm with a greenhouse
Grow-your-own zones don't have to be well-tamed in a cottage garden – wilder looks are all part of the charm. However, you can still opt for a smarter style if you prefer, while sticking to the theme. Just take a cue from this scene above.
A variety of plants along with a wooden bistro-style table and chairs in front of this traditional style greenhouse all offer a country-classic vibe that still feels laid-back. As well as using your greenhouse to grow your favourite veggies and herbs, try training sweet peas up a home-made support of sticks for a shot of irresistible colour and scent. Or, have a go at espaliering a fruit tree for an autumn harvest – it's a great approach if you're a little short on space.
This glorious greenhouse also not only looks the part, but will be hugely practical when colder weather comes around.
9. Create a tucked-away retreat in your cottage garden
Tempted by garden room ideas? A calm and quiet retreat amongst the flowers is a lovely addition for any garden, so why not introduce one to a cottage-style plot?
We love how this ornate design can be spotted through the generous flower beds in front, which only add to its sense of privacy. Add a comfy sofa or chair inside, a small table, and perhaps a vase of freshly- cut blooms as a finishing flourish – it'll be your new favourite spot before you know it.
Add something larger and you could even find yourself with a garden office as your work from home solution.
10. Add a pretty arbor for secluded seating
Good cottage garden ideas need to include somewhere to sit, so that all those flowers can be appreciated fully.
A pretty bench – wooden or metal – will do the job just fine, especially when kitted out with a ditsy-patterned cushion or two. But, for a more sheltered approach, consider opting for a garden arbor insted.
This blue-hued design has got us head-over-heels, and of course, the climbing rose only elevates the look further. Tuck it to the side of your plot in a sunny spot for a real destination point.
This wooden garden arbour would work well in a cottage garden with its traditional wooden finish suiting the environment perfectly.
11. Include hanging baskets in your cottage garden scheme
By now, you'll know the importance of flowers in a cottage garden. But, if space is at a premium, it can be tricky to create that sumptuous look whilst still being able to use the area for seating and entertaining.
Enter hanging baskets – a fabulous way to utilise the vertical space in a garden – whether you have a small courtyard, patio, or even just a balcony.
Fill with colourful summer favourites such as petunias, pelargoniums and lobelia. Then, hang from a bracket, a hook, or even your garden fences for an instant pick-me-up for your plot. Don't forget that you can switch them up as the seasons change, too – heather and cyclamen make a lovely pairing for autumn containers, for instance.
Head to Crocus for not only a wide range of hanging baskets, but also the right plants to place in them.
12. Opt for a relaxed feel with curves and patio planting
While formal gardens were laid out with parterres and terraces, traditional cottage garden layouts would have been much less predetermined. There would have been little space for lawn and no hard surfacing.
To capture the romance of a classic cottage garden, even if you want to include hard landscaping for paths or patio ideas, try to avoid straight lines and instead, factor in plenty of deep, curved borders for planting. Curved landscaping always creates a more natural and relaxed feel that allows you to meander along pathways through the flower beds.
Throw in a seemingly haphazard planting area and water feature in the middle of the brick paving, and it's suddenly a far more natural setting.
13. Set the scene with your front garden
Cottage garden ideas aren't just for gardens at the rear of your house. Why not set the scene with your front garden ideas, too? If you're lucky enough to live in a period property such as this, billowing borders of soft flowers will provide the perfect setting to complement the architecture.
But, even for modern houses, a cottage-style front garden will provide a wonderful welcome for you and your guests.
14. Create a meadow-like feel that's pollinator friendly
Historically, the quintessential cottage garden would have evolved slowly and planting would have had no strict plan.
Self-seeders were welcomed and plants were propagated from cuttings. They would have also been gifted by neighbours and perhaps collected from the native countryside (although the latter may get you in a spot of trouble nowadays). All would have been planted in whatever space was available, with little thought to hierarchy or height, which resulted in a magical jumble of shape and colour.
It's a garden trend we're returning too, with many garden designers embracing the meadow-style look in all or part of their landscaping plans. It's also relatively easy to achieve, says Dr Emily Attlee, conservation scientist and co-founder of Seedball.
"Creating a pollinator-friendly garden doesn’t require a complete redesign or lots of space. One of the simplest and most effective changes you can make is to grow wildflowers. Not only are they lovely to look at, but they’re rich in pollen and nectar, providing vital food for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
"Even small spaces can make a difference," she says, "from a patch of lawn left to grow a little wild with buttercups, dandelions and daisies, to pots, planters or window boxes filled with colourful cornflowers, campion and musk mallow. Growing a selection of wildflowers can quickly turn everyday spaces into valuable feeding spots, and become a lifeline for local wildlife."
Find a seedball mix for your cottage garden
Perfect for creating a garden meadow look
Attract bees to your borders with this native seed mix
Shaded areas can still bloom with the right seed mix
Dr Emily Attlee is a conservation scientist, and along with her partner Dr Ana Attlee, founded Seedball, a multiple-award-winning, not-for-profit organisation. Ana and Emily’s mission is to help increase the abundance of British wildflowers and wildlife that depend upon them by encouraging people to maximise the outdoor space available to them and scattering seed balls of native flowers.
15. Include meandering pathways in your cottage garden
Keep embracing that relaxed feel with it comes to planning your garden path ideas.
For cottage garden paths, it's best to avoid geometrical, rigid materials like square paving, and instead, try materials that are softer on the eye. Think, for example, a gravel path lined with reclaimed bricks that have a worn patina, or a design like this, which combines bricks with bark chippings.
You could even weave in plants that like gravel gardens amongst a wider path for an even greater wild garden feel.
16. Add cottage garden romance with roses
'"Arguably, no cottage garden summer would be complete without roses and their perfume," says the RHS, and we agree – a rose garden is perfect for that cottage-style look.
With their abundance of pretty floral sprays, climbing or rambling roses are brilliant for softening harsh walls or fences. And, they can be used to bring height and structure when grown over an arch or obelisk. The RHS suggests 'Madame Alfred Carriere' with its creamy-coloured, repeat-flowering blooms. Or if you like to give your outdoor space a celebrity edge, this is the rose that David Beckham loves.
Alternatively, choose shrub or bush roses for borders, or if space is tight you can grow them in pots, too.
17. Paint gates in pretty pastel colors
Add extra charm to your cottage garden by painting gates, woodwork and even wooden furniture in soft, muted colours such as pale greens and blues, or gentle pinks.
These types of shades work well with pretty cottage garden planting and will add another layer of interest to your garden scheme. To get started, take a look at the best fence paints in our buying guide.
18. Frame your front door with flowers
Admittedly, unless of course you're undertaking a cottage renovation, most of us aren't lucky enough to live in a charming thatched cottage such as this. But you can still give your house similar kerb appeal by growing hollyhocks along the front of your garden or by the front door.
Showcasing jolly spires of colour in summer, hollyhocks like light, well-drained soil – which is why they are often found close to houses. It's thought that before homes were built with damp-proof courses, hollyhocks would often be grown close to cottages to help take up the water.
19. Choose traditional furniture to suit a cottage garden
After all your hard work in the garden, it's important to have somewhere that you can sit back and enjoy the view.
Classic furniture such as metal bistro sets, or wooden benches are firm go-to choices to suit cottage garden schemes. Nestle furniture in amongst the planting to soften the effect, and stick to natural finishes or colours such as pale greens, pinks and blues to help them blend in with the background.
You want your planting to be the star of the show rather than a bright and bold item of furniture that could detract from your beautiful blooms.
This pretty Argos Home Genoa 2 Seater Metal Garden Bistro Set, with its pink and white tiled chair inset and tabletop design is the perfect candiate for your cottage garden ideas.
20. Mix up your planters for an eclectic look
Traditionally, the cottage garden was a humble space worked for necessity and crops would have been grown in anything that came to hand. To capture the quirky charm, think outside the box and reuse unwanted containers as garden planters – just ensure you drill holes in the bottom so that the soil can drain freely.
Use whatever you can find and line them up along a path for a characterful scene. It can also be a good way of embracing a more sustainable approach and a way of making your cottage garden more eco-friendly too. Check out these ways to re-use brick in a garden as well, which could provide inspiration if you have renovation materials left-over.
21. Get creative with colour schemes
Fi Boyle shares her expert advice when it comes to colours in cottage garden style planting. "Think about the colour scheme and decide what you want," she says.
"Do you want a hot border filled with oranges, yellows and reds, or do you want softer colours such as blues through to purple, with hints of pinks and white?" Sticking to a specific range for your colour schemes will add an enchanting, yet cohesive feel to your plot, so give it a try.
22. Decorate a garden shed with vintage finds
What better way to make the most of your garden than a little garden shed hideaway tucked away that you can retreat to with a good book?
Brighten up the interior with a lick of paint, and furnish with a couple of comfy armchairs. In the make-do-and-mend spirit of a cottage garden, use the structure to support rambling plants which will also help soften the building.
23. Screen your cottage garden with a stone wall
Stone garden wall ideas make lovely additions to cottage gardens, for a timeless, countryside look. It also provides a useful divider between 'rooms' of your garden, or for added privacy and shelter.
You can plant it up with foliage, succulents, moss, and even tumbling flowers such as erigeron, for a softer, fairytale-like feel.
24. Embellish benches with floral cushions and throws
When it comes to accessories for cottage garden ideas, floral fabrics are your friend. From outdoor cushions to throws and rugs, choose designs in soft pastel shades and pretty patterns to add interest to your space.
Natural materials such as cotton, linen and bamboo will be soft to touch and in keeping with the natural country vibe.
Wondering how to start your cottage garden ideas if you're only just beginning? Start with a plan, says Fi Boyle, and use something such as your borders to start defining your space.
"Where are your borders going to go, what shape are they going to be? Then, think about the aspect of the border – in other words, which way does it face? You can assess how much sun it will get or if the border is in shade most of the day,' says Fi. This will help you choose which plants go where.
"Do you know what the pH of the soil is?" she continues. "If not, do a test as some plants are fussy about the type of soil they grow in." You may need to research more if you need plants for clay soils for example.
Once you've got a plan, you can then start sowing your seeds. Annuals such as poppies, cosmos or zinnias are lovely in a cottage garden. Perennials like scabious or penstemons are also beautiful additions and will get bigger and better every year. You can usually plant them from small pots bought from the garden centre. Also make sure you have your garden irrigation plans in place to keep your cottage garden healthy all-year-round.
The original version of this article previously appeared on Gardeningetc, a sister website to Homebuilding & Renovating.
