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There is something undeniably enchanting about a cottage garden; it’s one of the best ways to style a small garden, and it just really makes you think you’re right in the middle of nature (even if you’re right in the middle of London or some other major city). So, just picture stepping into a lush, verdant haven where flowers bloom in a riot of colours, delicate scents waft through the air, and every corner invites you to explore. Honestly, what’s not enchanting there? 

This charming style of garden evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder, It makes you just want to run around barefoot, doesn’t it? It just has this way of making you feel like you’re in a book, like The Secret Garden, or something like that. But how can you make this for your own garden? 

More is More

So, just go ahead and embrace abundance, as this is going to be the number one way to go about this! Cottage gardens are super maximalist. Unlike more formal gardens with neatly clipped hedges and manicured lawns, a cottage garden is a celebration of natural, unrestrained beauty. 

This is probably what makes them so charming, as there’s very little upkeep, and they still look fabulous! So, the key is to plant a variety of flowers, shrubs, and herbs that will create a lush, layered look. It’s all super easy; it can be as simple as throwing wild-flower seeds into your garden if you’d like, but you can also think of old-fashioned favourites like roses, foxgloves, tulip bulbs, daffodils, bluebells, delphiniums, lavender, and this list is basically never-ending! 

They’re vibrant, they’re big, they’re colourful, bees and butterflies love, then, and just think of all the textures. 

All Heights Welcome

There’s no uniformity, and cottage gardens are all about plants, both big and small. So, if you want this overflowing effect, you’ll need to choose plants of varying heights and shapes. Here’s a pretty easy rule of thumb: taller plants at the back or centre, surrounded by medium and lower-growing species, will give your garden depth and visual interest. So, just remember, cottage gardens are all about organised chaos, so don’t be afraid to let plants intermingle and spill over pathways and borders.

It’s All About the Little Features

Well, little, but also quaint. So, what exactly does this even mean? Well, some examples can include a weathered bench tucked under a flowering tree, a birdbath surrounded by blooming flowers, or a vintage wheelbarrow overflowing with petunias, which can all contribute to the garden’s charm. 

These features not only provide points of interest but also make the garden feel like a lived-in, cherished space. It’s really all about that rustic look and little features like these help, but they’re not 100% necessary either. 

Embrace Imperfection

Again, unlike those formal gardens and laws that are all about cleanliness and uniformity, this is the exact opposite. It’s meant to be wild; it’s meant to sprawl out of control. The beauty of this style lies in its natural, untamed appearance. Let your garden evolve organically, and don’t worry too much about perfection. So, just go ahead and allow plants to self-seed and spread, and enjoy the surprises that each season brings.