Lately, the world of flower gardening has become weighed down with recommendations that often sound more like commandments, such as: “thou shalt go native,” “attract pollinators,” “make it sustainable,” and “provide habitat for wildlife.” Although these practices are all beneficial for our gardens and planet, to the average home gardener they can sound daunting. Over the years, I’ve created gardens that boast of all those good things, but I never followed a rule book, only my own common sense.
Fortunately, for new and old gardeners alike, one of the easiest ways to establish a garden that is environmentally-friendly, sustainable, full of pollinators, native plants and habitat for creatures is by planting a classic Cottage Garden just like our ancestors did!
The carefree Cottage Garden style is based on old English country gardens that incorporated a mix of herbs, flowers and vegetables – everything a family would use – conveniently growing just outside the door. Today’s gardeners can use the same diversity of plantings, and by doing so, create a garden that is not only beautiful but sustainable and teaming with life!
Some perennials to include for a classic cottage garden vibe are: Roses, Foxglove, Lambs’ Ears, Nepeta, Peonies, Iris, Daisies, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, Hardy Geranium, Lady’s Mantle, Daylillies, Allium and Monarda. Annuals like Sweet Alyssum, Cosmos, Petunias, Zinnias and Nasturtiums help provide a long season of bloom and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. A quick internet search can help you find native options for your growing zone. Personally, I never shun beautiful plants just because they aren’t native; instead, I include native versions wherever possible.
And, don’t be afraid to add some herbs to your cottage garden mix. I like to use chives, thyme and parsley with my flowers and, if you have room, Borage makes a big statement with its sparkling sky-blue flowers. Vegetables also make colorful companions. Leeks work really well with their tall, blue-green leaves, and growing some peas on an obelisk could be another charming addition; just be sure to choose vegetable plants that don’t take up much room and won’t compete with your flowers.
The art of gardening should be a pleasure, and gardens a place where we can escape the cares of the world! I encourage you to rekindle the joy of gardening, plant what you love, and don’t get bogged down in all the rules!
All photos by Nancy Marie Allen
