9 Cottage garden ideas to get you inspired

What is a cottage garden?

Cottage gardens were traditionally used to mark out the borders of a property, usually those in rural settings. A low wall or line of hedges could set out the confines of the garden, and the yard, plant beds or vegetable patches would be populated with functional elements to serve the occupants. It was common to find fruit, herbs and even livestock in the garden.

Today, the need for such necessity has declined, and the cottage garden fills a more ornamental function (though the country charm remains). It is usual now to find roses, native flowers such as foxgloves and fragrant plants such as lavender and mint. Now, these gardens are more often a statement of wealth and well-being.

1: Plant your flowers close together

Flowers are a crucial element of your cottage garden and significantly impact our sense of harmony. They give your garden variety, colour, height, scent and visual stimulation. Plant your flowers into every bit of free space for the desired wild and untamed appearance. If your cottage garden is on a budget, make sure to buy self-seeding annuals such as poppies, primroses and Solomon’s seals.

2: Use curved paths

Curving paths give your cottage garden a natural feel, allowing your guests to wander through your flower beds. Curving paths are more natural, and research suggests curves are more pleasing on the eye. If you’d like to give your garden a more traditional appeal, use Tudor cobbles or sandstone setts to create a more rustic looking path.

3: Add height with creepers & archways

Add another layer to your cottage garden with height. Creeping and climbing plants such as traditional roses, morning glory and jasmine will give you something eye-catching above the horizon. Similarly, archways, growing structures and hanging planters and baskets will give you colour and scent from all angles.

4: Create fun features

Although your cottage garden ideas should draw from your garden’s natural style, adding a few interesting features will give your cottage garden an extra lift. Have a winding path lead towards a wishing well, a bird bath, a bench or even a sundial.

5: Consider stone walling

Irregular, bucolic walls and fences with a hand-crafted feel will also add to your cottage garden style. Try to choose natural material and plainly painted woods (or not painted at all). We’d recommend our Cotswold tumbled walling, laid in a dry stone fashion with cock’n’hen coping.

6: Hang traditional garden accessories

Traditionally rural accessories such as milk jugs, pitchforks, old wheelbarrows and old wooden ladders can help create a provincial aesthetic for a cottage garden. If you’re on a budget, find them for free in your local community, local charity shops or car boot sales.

7: Lift the eye with raised beds

Raised beds are an excellent way to keep flowers and plants located to one spot. These raised spaces are great for encouraging pollinators and adding a multi-levelled effect to your garden, especially if it’s a large space. Try to use natural wood to border your raised bed.

8: Relax in a secluded sitting spot

Whether it’s a beautiful bench, a single deck chair or a few loungers in the shade of a tree, a sitting area is a fantastic addition to any cottage garden. Here, you and your guests can relax and enjoy yourselves, surrounded by wildlife and nature. Sitting and taking in the beauty of your garden is essential for relaxation.

9: Mix and match paving & borders

Cottage garden paths aren’t uniform, and mixing and matching elements will complement the rustic style. Mix it up with some sandstone paving and use unique pathways to connect the areas of the garden. Your cottage garden borders don’t have to match, either. You can build elaborate borders for your favourite flower beds, natural edging for walkways, or shrubs to mark out your quiet areas.