         
 |
 |
 |
|
 
Cottage garden tips
Cottage gardens don’t have to take hours to look after; by choosing the right type of features you can plan a garden that almost takes care of itself.
|
Hard landscape
Cottage gardens are all about plants. Hard landscaping, such as paths, seating areas and containers, is just there to help you enjoy them. Hard surfaces contrast well with plants so use them to break up large areas of planting.
|
Climbers
Several different climbers can share the same support, whether it is a tree, pergola or arbour. It’s a good space-saving technique that creates colourful features for months on end.
|
Containers
Containers are the convenient way to add lots of extra colour around your back door, close to seats and benches, and on the patio.
|
Recycled objects
Old bits and bobs like chimney pots, earthenware land drainage pipes and bottomless metal buckets can be recycled to make authentic, aged features that all add to the character of a cottage garden.
|
Summary
Cottage gardens are all about charm and character, but they rely on the same basic principles as any other style of garden. Start by creating a basic shape of hard landscaping, then add ‘core’ trees, shrubs and perennials that give the garden its personality. Leave the fine detail until last.
If water in the garden is your idea of paradise, try our next topic which is all about water gardening.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
