Elements of Cottage Landscaping

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  Cottage landscaping usually does not involve a formal design but uses free-flowing designs to create an atmosphere of informality. Geometric garden beds and wide curved borders cover the cottage landscape, leaving few grassy spaces. Numerous plants grouped together in small spaces create blocks and swaths of colors that complement one another.
  
  

Using Plants

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  Combine tall spiky flowers with rounded masses of flowers for variety. Add foliage plants with bold leaves for contrast. Use deciduous and evergreen trees for added height and seasonal interest. Scatter herbs throughout the garden for a traditional touch.
  
  

Plant List

• Snapdragons, delphiniums, hollyhocks, lupines and foxgloves have tall spikes of flowers, while peonies, geraniums and catmint form a mound of flowers. Ferns and hostas add texture and contrast. Rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley and dill are some common herbs. Use roses, clematis or wisteria on arches and trellises.
  
  

Paths and Edgings

• Paths and edgings in a cottage landscape should look weathered with muted colors. Old bricks, paving stones, crushed gravel or tree bark chips are suitable materials for paths. Terracotta tiles, broken or whole bricks, and broken pieces of clay pots form attractive edgings.
  
  

Accessories

• White picket fences and wooden arbors or trellises are traditional cottage landscape elements. Antique-style birdhouses, birdbaths, weather vanes and sundials are also common accents in a cottage landscape. The furniture is usually constructed of wood or wrought iron.