Cottage gardens provoke thoughts of generous borders full of attractive flowering plants and formal lawns.
To create successful cottage borders you need a reasonable understanding of planting design. Not only do you require knowledge of plants you also need to be able visualise the end product.
This is a skill which some people find easier than others. Cottage garden borders are typical of horticultural show gardens and stately homes. This is because cottage borders are famous for being long and wide!
Consequently, it is difficult to throw a few plants together you like and expect a good result. Cottage garden borders need to implement; structure, texture, colour balance, contrasts and seasonal interest.
However, with a little planning, precedent and research it is not impossible to create world class planting displays.
Here I will explain the main elements of creating a beautiful cottage garden border.
The way to create a successful cottage garden border is with good planning. The key is to have an idea of what your finished planting scheme will look like.
This is easier said than done but there are strategies to make it easier. Sketching is a great way to scribble down ideas and colour combinations.
Alternatively if you are not a good drawer you can use collage or graphic design programs. Below, I have listed the five main fundamental elements of creating successful cottage garden borders.
