How to Create an Easy Cottage Garden (Even With a Small Front or Backyard)

Last Updated on October 31, 2021 by Phil

Are you wondering how to create a cottage garden? Here are some ways and useful features to remember when starting this type of garden in your yard.

The best thing about cottage gardens is that it does not matter if it is big or small, it is the essence. And, most of that will come from the plants.

Here’s how to do it.

How to Create an Easy Cottage Garden

Colorful Cottage Garden

Colors are one of the most important features of a cottage garden. In fact, most garden styles make use of various colors to make themselves stand out.

The best thing about colors is that you can use all sorts of plants to create them. There are different foliage, flowers, shrubs and vines all of which produce different looks and textures while bringing out lovely hues.

Flowers by the Fence

Adding lovely flowers by your fence is another great way to spruce up your cottage garden.

Density is a key element in creating a traditional cottage garden. So, you don’t have to be conservative with them.

The thicker and more layers you can create, the more beautiful and full your garden will look.

Related Ideas

Entry Pathway

Of course, you’ll need some kind of walkway from your gate to your front door.

In keeping with the traditional, informal look of cottage gardens, it’s a good idea to use something simple for the pathway.

In this case, it is red bricks. You can easily just have used the yard soil and added stepping stones or paved a lovely rustic concrete walkway.

Front Yard Cottage Garden

The front yard is one of the best places to create this type of garden.

The goal here is to create enough density using different plants and layering them so that they produce a wonderful effect.

The photo shows you one way this can be done. And, the addition of large bushy trees complements this look.

Yard Archway

If you have the space for it, an arch would be a wonderful addition that’s perfect for your cottage garden. It also lets you cover it with flowering vines or greens.

Small Cottage Garden

This is what many original cottage gardens look like. They don’t take up a lot of space but give you a simple yet lovely look.

This also means that you can create your very own even if you don’t have a large front or backyard.

Perennial Border

Perennials are an amazing addition because you don’t have to keep planting them.

And, thanks to the variety that’s available, you can grow anything from foliage plants to large or small florals of different sizes.

This lets you decorate and fill your cottage garden nicely.

Dream Garden

This is one of my favorites. I reminds me a garden I visited outside the city ran by a couple where they just filled a section of their yard with amazing plants.

There was no planning or organization. Instead, they said they wanted to let the plants decide on their own.

That section looks like this. A dream garden with everything in it. Simply gorgeous!

Farmhouse Cottage Garden

This is another way you can create a cottage garden.

Instead of going up, you create a dense flower garden in your front yard.

This is plain out amazing to look at. And, anyone who passes by will surely stop and admire its looks. Some will even pick some flowers I’m sure.

Large Flowers on the Side of the House

Large greenery can get boring. Thus, using only foliage to create the density needed for your cottage garden leaves you with fewer color options.

A great way to liven things up is to add tall, bright colored flowers that will make your borders, edging and other spaces pop.

Floral Border

Thick, bushy borders are another aspect you can expect from cottage gardens. Often, shrubs and bushes alone with some amazing colors are used to create layers as well as borders separating different sections of the garden.

Garden Rock Fence

In tradition with the natural look, you can use large rocks in place of fences or borders. This is a lovely way to create texture and variety.

The rocks also provide the perfect contrast to the bright florals.

Doorway Cottage Garden

In addition to covering your front yard and other spaces, don’t forget to fill up your doorway and the areas near your entryway.

This lack of formal design is what makes this type of garden beautiful since you don’t have to follow any rules.

Rustic Look with Florals

The informal, dense florals are what make cottage gardens amazing to look at. They don’t have the uniformity nor are they super-trimmed like some modern gardens.

This makes they endearing and somewhere you just want to spend time in instead of just looking at.

Sources

Colorful Cottage Garden – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2462974785338273/
Flowers by the Fence – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1196337390880199/
Entry Pathway – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1618549855920166/
Front Yard Cottage Garden – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68741666941/
Yard Archway – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1688918600876328/
Small Cottage Garden – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2322237296247598/
Perennial Border – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/11962755246405690/
Dream Garden – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/47358233571256626/
Farmhouse Cottage Garden – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2885187251033259/
Large Flowers on the Side of the House – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/ATefspab2nL_DtXVzzN8bvD0dG8_UkbdgEyXgfb9c8MzjJaywA6LrAE/
Floral Border – https://www.homestolove.com.au/cottage-garden-20688
Garden Rock Fence – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/239324167687453149/
Doorway Cottage Garden – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5981411995179327/
Rustic Look with Florals – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/594967800770716511/