76. A FLOWERFUL COTTAGE GARDEN

Throw formality out the window and plant up a cottage garden! This kind of relaxed flower garden is known for a riot of colorful flowers jam-packed together with, perhaps, a winding path and picket fence to contain it. Imagine plant beds stuffed with coneflowers, hollyhocks, delphiniums, peonies, and even some vegetables—that is a cottage garden. The call of such an abundant scene, filled with fragrance from purple heliotrope and twining honeysuckle, makes one dizzy with anticipation. No wonder this garden theme is so popular.

In England, where cottage gardens originated, it seems everyone has such a garden, each more charming than the next. Their lushness sets a standard of perfection that is hard to achieve. But it is possible. What you need, at least in my part of the world, is a deer fence, deep fertile soil, constant watering, and someone to tend to it lovingly . . . a tall order indeed.

The backbone of a cottage garden are sturdy, reliable perennial flowers. In a sunny well-prepared plant bed (be sure to add that compost), set out a group of tall perennials in the rear of the bed and medium-tall ones in the mid-zone. You might try wild indigo (Baptisia australis), New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Siberian iris (Iris sibirica), dwarf gayfeather (Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’), coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), and Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Blue Spire’). Then add shorter flowers in front, making sure to include long-blooming annual flowers. Historically, cottage plantings were a blend of vegetables and flowers. So feel free to add some vegetables as well.

A low picket fence adds to the charm of a cottage garden. It also helps to keep out critters and supports tall flowers like garden phlox, Japanese wind anemones, and zinnias. The fence need not be a picket style. You may choose to install a bent willow, wrought iron, or lattice fence. The only suggestion is that the fence not be more than 42 inches high, because cottage gardens should project a friendly and inviting appearance. That is, after all, the true appeal of a cottage garden. It says, “Welcome to my garden; enjoy the flowers!”

The annual flower dianthus ‘Telstar Picotee’ F1 (Dianthus chinensis × barbatus ‘Telstar Picotee’ F1) makes a great edging plant in a cottage garden. Its fringed dark pink flowers bloom continuously all summer due to its excellent heat tolerance. I planted it here along a garden path that winds through the plantings. Go with a soft surface such as gravel or wood chips for an informal look.