What do you think of when you imagine a Cottage Garden? If you have ever visited one I would expect your answer to include: climbing roses, rosemary, lavender, sweet peas, phlox, sunflowers, shasta daisies, and columbine.
What do I think of when I imagine a Cottage Garden? WORK!!!! Of all the styles of garden I have worked in or created by far cottage gardens take the most planning and maintenance. The mix of vines, shrubs, perennials, annuals and trees that appears so slapdash and free from editing, is in fact quite the opposite. The denseness of the plantings that make the garden look so full make the garden nearly impossible to keep weed free. Working in a garden where nearly every square inch is covered in flowers of some sort with out stepping on anything is somewhat like playing the game twister. Now add pouring rain or sun and you will start to appreciate the work a cottage garden takes.
And though I may sound like I am complaining or trying to warn you about creating such a garden, which perhaps I am. I must also say that cottage gardens are also my favorite. They have so much variety that each day there is something new to celebrate. Each year it is only a matter of picking up a few different seed packets than the previous year to completely change the color scheme.
So if you dare start a cottage garden, I say do so. In preparation though, you may want to take up yoga.
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