We have been planting up a storm over here- from peonies to garden roses to sage and lavender and more.
And it is all part of a big overall garden area expansion that involves creating a cutting garden area with lots of blooms and pretty on repeat.
We are working on planting and pathways and the sitting area plans this week- and before I share the revealed project and how it all comes together- I thought I would share a mood board of what I would love it to look like.
English Cottage
I have a love affair with all things French- but did you also know that I love English Cottage style? Thatched roofs and cute cottages, an abundance of lush greens and gardens full of beautiful blooms. (I am obsessed with this little shed!)
And as much as I love structure and garden symmetry – I love mish-mash gardens. Those rows and layers of rambling blooms mingling with each other in any way, shape or form that they would like are pretty much perfection. And so when designing this cutting garden area-I wanted much of that same feeling.
Inspiration photos can be found on Pinterest
Roses, Peonies and Lavender
Some of the main players in this garden area are those always on repeat favorites- peonies, garden roses and lavender.
If you follow me along on instagram- you know that I brought home 18 (okay maybe more) peony plants recently. To be honest, I think I could probably bring home double more and would still have room to add some more. Did I mention I am obsessed? haha. We are also bringing in more lambs ear, sage and lilacs and such and favorite cottage garden favorites.
I also added a few dozen garden roses as well. Along with being able to go out and cut flowers – I wanted to create a garden that is full of beauty. Meandering paths, mish-mash of different flowers in different heights and layers creating a beautiful view.
Cottage Garden Favorites
So in order to create those layers- I wanted to bring in some other cottage garden favorites as well. Foxgloves, lavender, lilac, stock, sage and more.I am obsessed with foxgloves -such a pretty view.
Design Plan
Rows of flowers. Meandering pathways. A small garden shed or potting shed. Twinkle lights (of course) and either natural pathway or pea gravel underfoot. A small seating area for lounging and enjoying- possibly fenced though I think most of the plants we are putting in here are deer resistant and should be okay- other than the garden roses which we will spray with Liquid Fence.
Structures
I Love willow garden elements like planter boxes, fencing and tall supports for vines. You might remember that in the greenhouse garden (vegetables) I used willow cloches in some of the beds. I love the look and you know what? They look even better this year than they did last year.
Furniture
We are thinking faded old style wood furniture- or possibly something different. We are actually planning a trip to the ReStore this week to see if we can find something vintage and perfect.
Of course most of these inspirations have been growing in for awhile- and this is a new cutting garden and patio area- so it won’t look quite so lush and full right away. But I am giving it a good amount of oomph to get it to look as full as I can from the start. (aka putting in those peonies and foxgloves in the double digit numbers) haha
We are also planning on tucking in herbs and other plants we love- as well as including those already planted flowers that are already growing in and popping up. I am hoping we can finish the bulk of the big hardscape projects this week and will be sharing more of this garden and patio area very soon.
For more about keeping the deer at bay so you can enjoy your blooms too – read my post about Cottage Gardening and how to keep the deer from eating your plants.
And for more on the greenhouse- you can find that HERE.
What are your favorite English cottage garden style plants?
Sandra says
Where can i find the Willow clOches??
Their beautiful
Courtney says
They are from Home Depot
Allison k says
Delphiniums, salvias, lavendar, foxgoves, veronica, lupines,cone flowersallium and kinda obsessed with these newafrican lillies I saw
Courtney says
Love them all!
Gail says
If you have cats, be aware, lilies in ALL their parts are deadly to cats. Be careful.
Courtney says
Good to know- thank you for sharing!
Jody B says
Just when I thought you couldn’t top your self, you “gone and done it”! I Love English cottages, gardens etc….perhaps because it’s in my dna as my great grandmother was born in england and her husband was born in wales! I am so excited to see what you are up to over there. Perhaps a new book idea, backyard gardens! have a great week.
LIZ says
THIS ALL SOUNDS SO WONDERFUL! i AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO FOLLOWING YOUR GARDEN DREAMS.
Nancy Brantley says
Love everything you are doing! Is the wisteria on your greenhouse that gets vigorous? I want to plant it but not get out of control.
Valeri says
your plans sound amazing. I want to make sure you know that Foxgloves, although beautiful, are poisonous to both pets and humans.
Courtney says
Yes! I do know that- thank you! We have had them for years and thankfully haven’t had any issues with them. I actually did a post about 8 things to know about foxgloves and mentioned that because it is important to know if you include them. Thank you for sharing it again here!
Jan b. says
Hi Courtney, Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful garden with us. Could you please tell me the name of the pink roses in the back of your bench. It is beautiful. Keep up the great work. You are amazing.
SUSAN GALLOTTE says
Love this all so much! You have included all my favorite english cottage garden plants except for one: catmint! we love our catmint (not catnip, technical name is nepeta) for how it smells and how it froths around (yes, that’s a verb! Lol) underneath our english roses. So enjoy all of your posts and both of your books and now this!
Courtney says
We have a bunch of catmint in the front of the garden too- I love it as well! It is such a great one!
Roseann says
All amazing! have been working tirelessly on my 3 years in the making Gared. They Say roman wasn’t built in a day. Can not wait to see what you have done. Hope this is ok. my favorite site to shop for trees, unique blooms etc. is “Fast Growing trees”
Shirley Graham says
bEAUTIFUL PICTURES!! lOVE ALL THE FLOWERS & THE LITTLE SHED !!
Ivory says
Fabulous garden! I love dark/HOT PINK colors In a garden. I can hardly Wait until i get the chance to work in the garden I’ve been trying to create. Only if i can create a garden as lovely as yours. Thank you for sharing.
Debra says
I love alstroemerias! They laSt forever cut.
Debra says
… and Hydrangeas!
Darlene says
AbsolutelY beeathTaking!
All your hard work, PLANNING
And planting Have paid off!
Sw says
Just curious
What USDA growing zone are YOU?
Lovely post.
Courtney says
We are in zone 9
SW says
Thank you