Mind your wallet when you hit up the local nursery for your first round of plants because it’s way too easy to indulge in one of everything. As soon as you’re clear on how much you have to spend, go for it. Find every color, size, shape, and scent that interests you, and give it a try. Different types of foliage will texturize your garden, and just think of all of the delicious fragrances you can include. Rose, honeysuckle, sweet pea, gardenia — all of these are perfect for an English cottage garden.
As you start to plant, shun the straight lines. You’re not here to build an even-topped hedgerow or a precisely spaced border; in fact, you should be aiming for as little exposed soil as possible. Garden Answer (via YouTube) suggests planting large groupings closely together.
Seasonal layers are an important consideration. You’re putting way too much hard work into this to-die-for garden to have it all blossom at once and fade out after just a month. For this, blend in flowers that bloom at different times of the season in order to extend the life of your garden throughout the year. Spring, summer, and fall blooming flowers should be planted close to each other with some evergreen ground covers to fill in empty spaces. That way, as soon as the crocuses and daffodils start fading, the petunias will pop up and carry the color until it’s time for the dahlias and the mums to say hello.
