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Anyone with an English cottage garden out there?



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ashcats03

Port Washington, WI
Posts: 20
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:40 am   Post subject: Anyone with an English cottage garden out there?


Hi all, I am attempting to put in a cottage garden where my front yard used to be. Any advice on set up, plants (unfortunately I have alot of shade in the area), stonework etc. Any help would be appreciated!




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eileen


Forum Moderator

Scotland
Posts: 18013
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:52 am   Post subject:


Here is a website that may help you with making your English cottage garden. There are three pages in all but I've given you the link to page two to see what you think.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/htbg2/flat/module3/principles_of_cottage_planting1.shtml


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toni


Administrator
Plants Moderator
Regular Plants Contributor

North Texas, Zone 8a
Posts: 11249
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:01 pm   Post subject:


When I think 'cottage garden' I think of Hollyhocks, Foxglove, Delphiniums,Roses and Cleome.

I would think, like the info on the site Eileen posted, the cottage garden is more a look than a list of plants. Especially since some of the plants in the English Cottage Garden might not grow in your climate. Or plants like Foxglove, being poisonous, you might not want if you have children or pets that might nibble on them but you could substitute Canterbury Bells Campanula medium.

Plants grown close together, falling over pathways, birdbaths and feeders, benches, trellises. If you can't do a stone wall to enclose it, try picket fence panels.


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stratsmom

Southern Oregon
Posts: 2284
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:14 pm   Post subject:


Yep! What they said Laughing I immediately thought hollyhocks and foxglove Very Happy The bird baths are a must!
I'd like to put some bricks or stonework in my little cottage garden but don't think my husband is very willing Rolling Eyes One word of advice I would offer is this: GIVE YOURSELF TIME!! It may take a couple of years for you to get your garden the way you want it Very Happy Mine is starting to come together, I've been at it 6 summers now! It is a continual work in progress Wink Have Fun!!
Deanna
Very Happy

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ashcats03

Port Washington, WI
Posts: 20
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:42 pm   Post subject:


Thank you everyone for your advice. I am enclosing the garden with a picket fence, and am planning a couple benches and trellises. I am also making several flagstone pathways through the garden, and have a fountain to put in. Bird baths and houses are a great idea. Guess I'm not doing so bad after all!

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