Cottage gardens are all about relaxed planting, plenty of flowers and a garden that feels full of life. Instead of neat rows, flowers, herbs, shrubs and climbers are layered together so they flow into one another. Paths, arches, pots and other features tie the whole look together.
You don't need a big space. The same style works in a single garden bed, along a boundary, in a front garden or in a group of pots.
Plan the cottage garden look
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Start with structure. Paths, arches, trellises, fences, pots and seating give the garden shape. Soften them with climbers and flowering plants as the garden fills out. A bark or pebble path, such as Daltons Ornamental Bark No4 or Daltons Fine Riverstone, suits the informal look.
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Plant in layers. Combine tall plants, mid-height flowers and low growers so the garden feels full without becoming one flat layer.
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Repeat a few favourites. Loose groups of the same plants or colours tie the garden together while keeping the informal feel.
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Mix in herbs and edibles. Rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, strawberries, blueberries and rhubarb sit naturally among flowers and add fragrance and texture.
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Choose colours you love. Soft pinks, whites, blues and mauves, crisp whites and greens, or a bolder mix. Pick a loose palette that suits your home.
Best plants for a cottage garden
| Tall plants for height and drama |
Hollyhocks, delphiniums, foxgloves, lupins |
| Mid-height flowering plants |
Lavender, salvias, shasta daisies, echinacea, penstemons, roses, hydrangeas |
| Climbers |
Climbing roses, clematis, star jasmine, sweet peas, wisteria |
| Bulbs, corms and tubers |
Daffodils, tulips, anemones, ranunculus, irises, dahlias |
| Low growers for edges and borders |
Alyssum, lobelia, dianthus, catmint, creeping thyme |
| Herbs and edibles |
Rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, strawberries, blueberries, rhubarb |
Plan for colour across the seasons
A mix of annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs and climbers keeps something flowering for much of the year.
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Spring: daffodils, tulips, poppies, sweet peas
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Summer: roses, lavender, cosmos, dahlias, hydrangeas
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Autumn: asters, Japanese anemones, sedums
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Winter: azaleas, hellebores, camellias, daphne
Flowering times vary with variety and region, so check the plant label or seed packet.
Cottage gardens in small spaces and containers
A narrow border, sunny front garden or group of pots can all create the same relaxed look. Use climbers, tall flowers and containers to add height without taking up much ground space. Fill pots with Daltons Potting Mix rather than garden soil, and check moisture often, as pots dry out quickly in warm or windy weather.
Prepare and plant
Most cottage favourites like a sunny spot with free-draining soil, but needs vary, so match each plant to its position.
- Remove weeds and old plant material, then work Daltons Compost through the existing soil. Daltons Garden Mix can also be worked into existing beds to improve structure, drainage and moisture holding.
- Plant in loose groups, mixing heights and flower shapes, and let suitable plants spill over the edges of paths and beds. Leave room for plants to reach full size and for good airflow.
- After planting, spread a mulch such as Daltons Cambium Bark or Daltons Mega Mulch, keeping it away from the base of plants, to hold moisture and discourage weeds.
Watering and feeding
Water new gardens regularly while plants establish. In dry spells, water deeply around the base of plants. Feed with a controlled-release fertiliser such as Landscaper Pro Flora 5/6 Months Fertiliser, which is designed for borders and flowering plants. Always follow the pack directions.
Ongoing care
- Deadhead spent flowers, train climbers as they grow, remove damaged or diseased foliage and keep on top of weeds.
- For a more natural look, let some flowers set seed for next season.
Pests and diseases
Watch for aphids, slugs and snails, thrips, caterpillars, powdery mildew, rust and black spot. Water the soil rather than the leaves, allow good airflow, remove spent flowers and diseased leaves promptly, and feed regularly to keep plants strong.
Cottage flowers for picking
Many cottage favourites make lovely cut flowers, including roses, dahlias, sweet peas, cosmos, delphiniums and hydrangeas. If picking is your main goal, see How to Grow a Cut Flower Garden in New Zealand.
Quick answers
Can I create a cottage garden in a small space? Yes. A single bed, narrow border, front garden or group of pots all work.
Does a cottage garden need full sun? Many cottage flowers prefer sun, but requirements vary. Match each plant to the conditions in your garden.
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