What is a Cottage Garden?

Initially the cottage garden was constructed for its utilitarianism.  As much space as possible was utilised for growing flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables - no room for lawns, just paths meandering between the planting areas.  There is no formal plan to a cottage-style garden - just cram as many plants as possible in to the area (leaving a bit of room for growth) and then let Nature do the rest! Grow Hollyhocks beside walls and fences, and climbers in amongst any hedges or trees, or up walls and fences. Avoid modern double or hybrid flowers.   Any gaps can be filled in by sowing with annuals.  Wild flowers also featured in traditional cottage gardens by self-sowing themselves.  Herbs were an important feature for medicinal and culinary uses.  After a while, no weeding will be necessary because there will be no room for them!  Very little maintenance is required of the cottage  garden - leave old flower spikes in for the plants to self-seed or for the birds to eat.  A more rustic look can be achieved by planting up watering cans or pails, or even old boots!  Plenty of terracotta pots with or without plants also look good.