Planning out a garden can be a bit overwhelming. From deciding what design you want to go for, to picking out all of the plants and decorations. Sure, Pinterest does help, but there is still so much that you have to come up with yourself. But if you’re someone like me, who enjoys the aesthetic of the rustic charm and enchanting beauty that comes with an English cottage garden, then I have some amazing news for you. We’ve decided to embark on this journey ourselves and put together all of the elements that every picture-perfect English cottage garden needs. From the antique colors to the calming scents – here’s everything a true cottage garden needs!
Layout
The enticement of an English cottage garden lies in its truly unrestricted and earthy orientation. Unlike traditional gardens with rigid lines and symmetry, the charm of an English cottage garden lies in its easygoing and wild layout. Embrace the freedom of nature and allow your plants to flourish and overlap organically. Start by designing curved walkways that wound their way around the garden, leading you to secret corners and magical surprises. Leave room for charming seating places where you can sit back, unwind, and bask in the beauty of your work.
Choosing Your Plants
When it comes to plant selection, think of abundance and diversity. Fill your garden with a mix of perennial flowers, herbs, and shrubs that thrive in your local climate. Roses are classic cottage garden staples, exuding elegance and fragrance. Peonies, delphiniums, and hollyhocks add a splash of color and height, creating a romantic backdrop. Don’t forget the fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme, which not only add charm to your garden but also attract beneficial insects. Embrace a mix of colors and textures, and choose plants that bloom at different times to ensure year-round visual delight.
Creating a Focal Point
Every English cottage garden needs a beautiful focal point that captures the soul of the location. Consider adding an antique wooden bench covered with colorful cushions, calling you to take a moment for yourself amongst the flowers. A rustic arbor draped with climbing roses or clematis would also work as a whimsical entrance to your garden. But anything that adds a touch of fairytale charm would be well suited. Vintage garden decorations, such as weathered birdhouses and vintage watering cans will give your backyard a touch of nostalgia. Whatever you pick, let your focal point be a reflection of your personality and the soul of your English cottage garden.
Decorations
Incorporate charming decorative elements that reflect the nostalgia of an English cottage garden. Rustic wooden signs with quaint sayings, vintage lanterns, and weathered bird baths all add a sense of whimsy and history. Consider placing antique-looking planters filled with cascading flowers along your pathways or on the steps of your porch. Old-fashioned terracotta pots and wrought-iron trellises also add a touch of vintage elegance to your garden. These decorative elements not only enhance the aesthetics of your space but also evoke the feeling of stepping into a timeless English countryside garden.
