Whether you're a budding gardener or veteran floriculturist, there's no shame in wanting to take the easy way out with your backyard foliage.That's where these low-maintenance shrubs and bushes come in. And, while it may come as a surprise, there is far more to cottage flowers than scented roses and lavender (although we highly rate these), and our roundup of cottage garden … Here are our top 10 plants for achieving an attractive cottage garden design. Good question, and an astute observation! Growing up to 2.5m tall in a sunny spot in your cottage garden, they don’t mind a sheltered or exposed site, but if they’re in the latter they may need some stakes as … The tall flower spires are a great backdrop for smaller, more delicate plants in front. When I say ‘cottage-style’, I mean a happy jungle of flowering perennials. Typical Features Thus, in addition to the herbs listed below, the typical cottage garden might have contained apple trees.The inclusion of stinging nettle on this list of traditional cottage garden plants may surprise some. Let’s take a look at 17 cottage garden perennials, these plants will look perfect together, giving your garden space that cottage garden look-and-feel. Wait, What Is a Shrub? Clematis climbs over the arch with beds filled with fuchsia, catmint, campanula, delphiniums, foxgloves, hardy geranium, herbs, and lavender below. A reliable and easily maintainable foundation for your garden is a few evergreen shrubs away, so let’s cut to the chase and start talking shrubbery! In a cottage garden, self-seeding plants with bright, bold and vibrant flowers are best. The cottage garden projects a sense of relaxation, often including shady corners where a gardener can take a break. Also a good choice for butterfly gardens and informal cottage gardens. The ones I choose for my garden are suited to my growing zone (6) here in Ontario, Canada, which is a cold climate region with ‘real’ winters. Dining areas and seating are often included in the cottage garden. (We know, not everyone has the time or talents to maintain a flourishing flower bed year-round.) A typical cottage plant that provides height interest. This enchanting English cottage garden is a mix of perennials, vines, and shrubs. Bee Balm. Cottage garden plants are bursting with colour and texture – they quite frankly are the epitome of idyllic garden life. Grow a mix of these charming, old-fashioned favourites and the cottage garden effect can be yours. A cottage garden can incorporate quirky or funny ideas, like painted signs, that would not go with a more formal garden concept. It is a type of "weed" that many of us think of as a nuisance, but stinging nettle, when cooked properly, serves as a nutritious potherb. Choices will be restricted by the type of soil, the aspect of the borders, and colour preferences. This is a plant that smells really sweet, which is why it will attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to your garden. Flowers for a Cottage-Style Garden. “The term “cottage garden” conjures up images of a garden that’s bursting at the seams in summer—of herbs, self-seeding annuals, and flowering shrubs mingling together; of vigorous climbing roses scrambling along walls, with poppies, peonies, and showy perennials in … Growing tips: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. There is a vast array of traditional cottage garden plants to choose from. Where to plant it: Plant in shrub borders or as a hedge plant near patios or porches or anywhere its scent and lovely flowers can be enjoyed. Many gardeners crave the cottage garden look and the secret is in the plants. Are the epitome of idyllic garden life other pollinators to your garden vast! 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