What really is a cottage garden? When, where, and why did it originate?
Cottage gardens are indigenous to European cultures where people had small plots of land of their own. Every square inch of land would be covered with something of purpose, from cutting flowers to herbs and roses for culinary and medicinal purposes, to vegetables and fruit trees-without crowding or sacrificing plant health.
The cottage garden evolution began when food cultivation became a production industry and left the family (or city) garden, and when botanists began to explore the world, collecting and returning with new plants that sparked a renewed interest in gardening.
Cottage gardens soon were filled with hardy annuals, perennials and vegetables surrounding cottage type homes. They were loose and free flowing, planted for beauty and pleasure instead of medicinal purposes, though herbs are often still incorporated. Many impressionist painters sought to capture the look on canvas, perhaps none so well as Monet’s garden series. Monet’s cottage garden that inspired his masterpieces can still be visited in Giverny, France.
Today, the cottage garden look is becoming popularized again. Into these lovely, colorful, free-flowing gardens, shabby-chic furniture and garden décor create a beautiful, inviting, and easy-to-relax-in outdoor living space. We are drifting away from shrub-lined homes and into waves of color, fragrance and motion.
We have a number of perennials and annuals that are perfect for any cottage garden. But don’t forget other possibilities such as roses, ornamental grasses, and vegetables (the artichoke, from the thistle family, has a beautiful flower!). Plus, you can use more than just sun-lovers. If you have a shade garden, you can have the cottage garden look, too. That’s right! When you come to see us, let us know your favorite sun and shade combinations. Luckily for us-and thanks to the plant finders of the world-our choices are enormous.