Beautiful, charming, whimsical: a cottage garden offers it all. Originating from rural England, this gardening style features a blend of flowers, herbs, and vegetables in small, informal plots around their cottages.

What sets them apart from traditional gardens? They aren’t as tied to symmetry or structure, but more free-flowing in design with dense plantings that feel romantic, wild, and intentional.

Cottage gardens celebrate the art and beauty of gardening with a more relaxed approach.

Typically, you’ll see plants spilling over borders, reaching trellises and pathways that flow through a sea of colorful blooming florals.

This style is not about perfection – it’s all about letting the space feel abundant and flowy.

The key features of a cottage garden include:

• A beautiful mix of florals and plants like annuals, perennials, herbs, and vegetables
• Climbing plants for vertical appeal, like clematis and wisteria
• The use of natural materials like gravel and wood
• Pollinator-friendly plants to attract bees, butterflies, and birds

The beauty of cottage gardens is that they can work in a variety of spaces, whether you have a large sprawling backyard or a small urban plot. They are also perfect for gardeners who love diversity and beauty, and who don’t mind a little disarray.

Why Choose a Garden Cottage?

If you’re a dreamy, non-traditional garden lover, the winding paths and overflow of a cottage garden are probably perfect for you. With this type of garden, you can embrace your wild and free side as you opt for growing a large variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

Another plus? You get to turn your garden into the perfect escape. Whether you’re starting from scratch or sprucing up a corner of your yard, cottage gardens offer a space to let your garden fantasies run wild. All you need is the right mix of plants, materials, and some design magic to get started.

Designing Your Cottage Garden

Cottage gardens typically shy away from being really structured – this is where your plants and imagination can run free. Start planning for a layered look, where you allow plants to spill over borders.

Here are some key elements to consider:

1. Layout & Pathways

• Gravel, brick, or mulch can be used to create charming winding paths
• Arches, trellises, and picket fences are great for defining spaces and supporting climbing plants
• Bird baths, benches, or vintage flowerpots add beautiful points of interest

2. Soil & Mulch

• Test your soil first to understand what your garden needs
• Improve soil quality by utilizing organic matter like compost, leaf mold, or bark
• Organic mulch or wood chips can help retain moisture (and suppress annoying weeds)

3. Vertical Interest

• Climbers like wisteria, sweet peas, and clematis add a beautiful touch to trellises and archways
• Get “just a little” structured – for instance, using garden cloches or obelisks adds and supports height without looking too exact.

Cottage Garden Plants and More

Cottage gardens are all about displaying a unique and rich variety of plants. So instead of sticking to one type or style, this is where you can let several of your favorites shine from different colors, heights, to textures. Diversifying plant species can actually help your plants grow, attract pollinators, and keep pests and disease in check.

Here are a few of our top recommendations:

Annuals

Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season, meaning they sprout, bloom, and die all within a year. Since they flower pretty often, they can offer vibrancy and color to your garden.

Why add them? To fill gaps and enhance seasonal variety.

We think you’ll love: Sweet peas, zinnias, cosmos, nasturtiums, marigolds

Perennials

Perennials return year after year, often growing stronger and fuller with time. Some perennials live a couple of years, while others can have a lifespan lasting decades. We consider these the backbone of a cottage garden, giving it structure and consistency.

Why add them? They’re low-maintenance and long-lasting.

We think you’ll love: Peonies, daisies, lavender, foxgloves, coneflowers

Herbs

Herbs are easy to grow, beautiful, fragrant, and add a different texture to your garden. Many herbs are also pollinator-friendly and repel pests. Herbs can be used in a variety of ways, like cooking, teas, or natural remedies.

Why add them? They smell great and are often drought-tolerant.

We think you’ll love: Rosemary, thyme, sage, mint, chives

Vegetables

Use your garden cottage to create your own abundance. Vegetables bring a functional element to your garden (visually and as a food source) – also, many vegetables like tomatoes and beans can be trained to climb.

Why add them? Fresh food (need we say more?).

We think you’ll love: Lettuce, kale, tomatoes, pole beans, squash

By combining these plant types, your charming cottage garden will not only look beautiful but will also be resilient and bountiful. Plant diversity helps prevent pests, attracts helpful insects, and gives your garden everything it needs to thrive throughout the changing seasons.

Pollinators and Birds

Cottage gardens are perfect for attracting pollinator insects. To get them buzzing their way into your garden, be sure to add nectar-rich plants like lavender and coneflowers. The goal is to create a safe environment for these helpful friends to thrive, so be sure to avoid using pesticides.

For birds, try adding a shallow bird bath so they can clean, swim, and gather. Water features create an inviting space for feathered friends and add to the overall ambiance. In addition, consider adding nesting boxes tucked among climbing roses or ivy-covered trellises to give them a cozy home when visiting.

Styling Tips and Tricks

Styling your cottage garden is all about letting your blooms run wild. Natural materials, flowing plants, and a little free-spiritness will go a long way.

• Use natural materials like wood, stone, and terracotta
• Let plants do their thing – specifically, allowing them to spill over paths freely.
• Add whimsy with vintage garden tools or painted signs

Low-Maintenance Tips

There are a few ways you can make maintaining your cottage garden an easeful experience, like choosing resilient plants and maintaining soil with natural solutions.

• Drought-tolerant plants are great for reducing watering (and saving money)
• Group plants! Arrange them by soil moisture levels and sunlight needs
• Compost is your friend – use compost and organic soil to feed plants naturally
• Use dense planting and mulch to keep the weeds away

Cut Flowers for Celebrations

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or a major holiday, your cottage garden will save you a trip to the local florist. Just head right to your yard and pick out your favorite florals to create your unique arrangement. Also, as you learn more about your plants’ growing patterns, you’ll know which flowers are in season for special celebrations.

With a little planning, you can have blooms throughout the growing season for DIY bouquets (or starting a local flower delivery).

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, a cottage garden is all about creating a space that brings you joy. So don’t worry about being perfect! With the right plants, layout, and a touch of free flowy creativity, your cottage garden can become the perfect sanctury for wildlife, and you.

Ready to grab your gloves? Let’s get planting!

More gardening inspiration we think you’ll love!

Dreaming of a fresh herb garden but short on space? No worries! You don’t need a big backyard to grow delicious herbs. With a few clever herb garden ideas for small spaces, you can easily transform any nook or cranny into a green oasis. 

Even if you only have a tiny balcony, small patio, or a couple of windowsills, you can still enjoy the benefits of a container herb garden. Think about growing rosemary, basil, and mint right outside your door. 

With some creative planning, your limited space can become a lush herb sanctuary, providing fresh ingredients for your kitchen and a delightful aroma to enjoy every day.

Choosing the Right Containers

Choosing the right containers is a big step in setting up your small space herb garden. 

Start by thinking about the size and shape of your available space. Compact planters work great for balconies, while sleek containers fit nicely on windowsills. 

The material of your pots is important too—clay, terracotta, and ceramic containers are fantastic because they let the soil breathe. 

Don’t forget drainage! Your pots need drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot. 

Plastic pots can also be a good choice since they are lightweight and often more budget-friendly. Just keep an eye on their drainage, as they can sometimes trap water. 

You can also get creative with repurposed containers. Old teacups, tin cans, mason jars, or wooden crates can make charming and unique planters. 

If you’re short on counter space, consider hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters to keep your herbs within easy reach.

For an herb plant that likes its own space, like mint, separate pots are best to prevent it from taking over. For others, like basil, parsley, and cilantro, you can plant a few together in one larger container. 

The key is to ensure each plant has enough room to grow.

Herb Selection for Small Gardens

Selecting the right herbs is crucial for making the most out of your small garden space. 

Herbs like basil, oregano, and chives are perfect choices because they thrive in containers and don’t require much room. 

If your garden area doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, you can opt for shade-tolerant herbs such as parsley, mint, and sage. 

For a versatile and hardy option, consider thyme and dill, which can adapt well to varying light conditions. These herbs will not only add fresh flavors to your dishes but also bring a pleasant aroma to your space. 

Planting a mix of these herbs will give you a good variety for cooking and garnishing.

When planting, be mindful of each herb’s specific needs. For instance, mint tends to spread quickly, so it’s best to plant it in its own container to prevent it from overtaking other herbs. 

On the other hand, basil and parsley can share a larger pot if you’re tight on space. This way, you can make the most of your small area without compromising the health of your plants.

With the right selection, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh herbs even in the coziest of spaces, turning your limited garden area into a thriving herb haven.

Maximizing Vertical Space

When it comes to small space gardening, making the most of vertical space is a game-changer. 

Think about adding shelves or wall-mounted planters to keep your pots off the ground and create a lush, green wall. This not only saves floor space but also makes your herb garden more accessible and visually appealing. 

Hanging gardens are another fantastic way to use vertical space. You can use macramé hangers or repurpose old materials and hooks to create a hanging herb garden that adds charm to your space. 

You can hang them from the ceiling or a ladder. Imagine reaching up to snip fresh rosemary or lavender from a hanging pot—so convenient!

If you’re into DIY projects, consider building a vertical planter using an old wooden pallet. This can be a fun weekend project and will give you a unique piece to showcase your herbs. 

You can also use stackable pots or tiered planters to layer your herbs vertically.

Another smart idea is to use railing planters if you have a balcony. These planters can hang off the side, giving you extra room to grow your favorite herbs without taking up any ground space.

By thinking vertically, you can significantly increase your growing area, making it possible to cultivate a wide variety of herbs even in the smallest spaces.

Caring for Your Container Herb Garden

Taking good care of your container herb garden is essential to keeping your plants happy and healthy. 

Start with watering—most herbs prefer their soil to be slightly moist, so check the soil regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering, so it’s important to find the right balance. 

Fertilizing your herbs every few weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer will promote robust growth. Be mindful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to weak plants. A little boost now and then is all your herbs need to thrive.

Pests and diseases can sometimes find their way to your herb garden, even in small spaces. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of trouble, such as yellowing leaves or tiny holes. 

Natural remedies like neem oil can help keep these issues at bay without introducing harmful chemicals to your garden.

Don’t forget to trim and harvest your herbs regularly. This provides you with fresh ingredients and encourages the plants to grow bushier and healthier. Pruning helps prevent the herbs from becoming leggy and keeps them looking their best.

By paying attention to these simple care tips, your container herb garden will flourish, offering fresh, aromatic herbs right at your fingertips.

Creative Ideas for Indoor Herb Gardens

Indoor herb gardens offer a fantastic way to bring a bit of nature indoors, making your space both greener and more functional. 

Think about using your kitchen windowsill to grow easy-to-reach herbs like basil or parsley. This keeps fresh flavors at your fingertips while cooking. 

Get creative with your planters—stylish containers can double as decor pieces. Choose ones that match your home’s style for a seamless look. 

Grouping herbs in similar-themed pots creates a cohesive vibe, while mismatched vintage containers add a charming, eclectic touch.

Hanging gardens are another great idea that not only saves counter space but also makes your home look inviting. If you’re into DIY projects, consider crafting your own vertical herb garden for a fun and rewarding project that provides a unique display for your herbs.

For those with very limited space, try growing herbs in small pots on shelves or even on the top of your fridge. 

By incorporating these creative ideas, you can enjoy a flourishing indoor herb garden that adds fresh, aromatic flavors to your meals and a touch of green to your home.

Container Garden Inspiration

Time to Start Planting

Creating a small herb garden is not only feasible but also immensely satisfying. Imagine having fresh rosemary, basil, and thyme just a step away from your kitchen. 

By embracing vertical gardening and clever container choices, you can maximize your available space. Don’t hesitate to get creative—think of using unexpected items like old teacups or tin cans as planters. 

Indoor or outdoor, your herb garden can be a beautiful addition to your living space. Take inspiration from successful small space gardeners who have turned their balconies, windowsills, and even walls into thriving green spots. 

The possibilities are endless and can be tailored to fit your unique space and style. Enjoy the process and the fresh flavors your mini garden will bring to your culinary adventures.