Cottage Gardens
Traditional English cottage gardens filled with colourful flowers and informal planting.
Cottage gardens celebrate abundance over formality — packing borders with flowers, herbs and soft paths so the space feels lived-in and joyful. Layer heights, mix self-seeders with trusted perennials, and leave room for happy accidents.
Design tips
- Plant in loose drifts rather than rigid rows so colour weaves through the border.
- Combine early bulbs, summer perennials and late bloomers for a long season of interest.
- Use climbers on arches and fences to add height without heavy structure.
- Tuck herbs like lavender and thyme along path edges for scent and pollinators.
- Allow a few self-seeders — foxgloves and aquilegia keep the look natural.