How to Create Beautiful Aromatic Cottage Garden?

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How to Create a Beautiful Aromatic Cottage Garden?

How to Create Beautiful Aromatic Cottage Garden

As I continued my journey of establishing an aromatherapy teaching garden of aromatic plants, I found myself considering the style of my garden. For me, there simply was no doubt; a traditional English country cottage garden! However, how do you create an aromatic cottage garden in the high Arizona desert?

If you have been following my series of aromatic garden articles, you will probably enjoy this article which discusses the basics of designing an aromatic cottage garden. Over the coming months, I will also share the successes (and failures) of how I achieved an aromatic cottage garden here in Arizona!

What is an Aromatic Cottage Garden?

A traditional cottage garden breaks all the rules of garden design in that it creates the illusion that there isn’t any design; aromatic flowers are planted together in such a haphazard way that they look like they are naturally wild and unattended (a good excuse not to pull the odd flowering weed!). This is a romantic and sentimental notion of what a traditional country cottage garden should be, although the origin of cottage gardens may have been of a more practical purpose.

The Origin of Cottage Gardens

There is some debate over the origin of English country cottage gardens, although they were not exclusive to England; there was some form of country “cottage gardens” throughout Europe. Originally, country cottage gardens may have been created as a local source of fruit and vegetables; herbs were also prevalent in cottage gardens. Cottage gardens were just that – the garden of a country cottage, created for necessity and not for ornamental purposes; however, eventually, large estate houses had “cottage gardens” too.

Today, the term cottage garden is used to describe any informal garden design of sprawling plants and may not necessarily contain traditional English cottage garden plants; indeed, the garden of the artist Claude Monet (1840 – 1926), at Giverny in France, has been described as cottage garden style by some, due to its sprawling nature; it is made up of water gardens, various plants, and colors, not true to original cottage gardens.

Read More: The English Garden Design Tips and Tricks

Create an Aromatic Cottage Garden

The focus of my project is to create an aromatic cottage garden, although I do admit to planting some plants simply for their vibrant colors! Many herbs are fragrant but do not produce the vivid display of color that some ornamental plants do.

An aromatic cottage garden did not need a lawn; although my current garden does have a lawn, I may eventually add thyme as a “lawn” cover, a style reminiscent of “original” lawn styles. There was usually a path winding its way through the mass of plants and flowers, allowing access to tend to the plants; my garden certainly has the potential to grow in that area!

To create the characteristics of an old-fashioned English country garden include some of the following:

  • old-style fencing and a gate/arbor for climbing plants, particularly roses, to climb up.

  • “antique” pots for plants; in place of original antique-style pots, I love to use terracotta clay pots. They are cheap (compared to other clay-style pots) and you can add your style and color by painting them if you wish.

  • old-style watering cans either for watering or planting flowers in; I have a few!

  • Recycled earthenware, old drainage pipes, old pails, or even chimney pots can create an authentic appeal to the traditional cottage garden; I am always on the lookout for something “different” to add to my garden.

  • an old wooden bench will provide a place from which to enjoy the garden. I plan to create several cozy corners for the weary gardener (aka me) or visitor to the garden to rest a while.

Create an Aromatic Cottage Garden

Traditional Cottage Flowers for a Country Garden

Traditional aromatic cottage flowers were discussed in Traditional Cottage Garden Flowers for an Aromatic Cutting Garden and Introduction to Aromatic Plants, Herbs, and Climbers for a Scented Garden, but here is a recap of some of those aromatic plants:

  • roses

Old-fashioned or climbing roses such as the Gallica or Damask rose will add fragrance and authenticity to a cottage garden.

  • lavender 

A popular aromatic herb and flower, lavender would have originally been used in the cottage garden for its medicinal and aromatic properties.

  • climbing plants

In addition to climbing roses, cottage garden climbers include honeysuckle and, in a more modern cottage garden, clematis, both fragrant and beautiful to look at in the summer months.

  • tall plants 

Such as delphinium*, foxglove*, and hollyhock will add depth and color to a country cottage garden.

  • perennials

Carnation, peony, lily, crocus, wallflower, marigold, tulip, and sweet william.

stock, pansy, and violet.

Note that both of these species are poisonous so take care if your garden is frequented by pets or children.

Most Other Cottage Garden Plants that you can grow in your Garden

A cottage garden is the ultimate country dream come true, where flowers mix with herbs and vegetables in colorful abandon. You’ll love cutting fresh flowers for bouquets, snipping herbs and lettuce for salad, and picking tender beans for dinner. The real-life cottage gardens of English history were commonly mixed plantings of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, complete with honeybees, chickens, and perhaps a family pig. As time went on and living conditions became less harsh, more flowers were added to cottage gardens.

The joy of these gardens is their casual, informal appearance. They should not be overly neat! All you have to worry about is thinning vigorous perennials every few years so that they don’t overstep their boundaries! Here is a list of 20 plants to get started. Print it out and take it with you next time you go to the local garden nursery:

  • Sneezeweed
  • Scarlet runner bean
  • Honesty
  • Thymes
  • Feverfew
  • Dill
  • Bachelor’s button
  • Borage
  • Hollyhock
  • Mints
  • Johnny-jump-up
  • Peonies
  • Lemon lily
  • Foxglove
  • Golden glow
  • Jasmine tobacco
  • Garden phlox
  • Wild Columbine
  • Sage
  • Bleeding heart

Create Your Own Fresh Flowers Bouquets For Home Decorating

Create Your Own Fresh Flowers Bouquets For Home Decorating

Creating a fresh flower bouquet is an art form that transforms spaces and brings a touch of nature’s beauty into our homes. With the right selection of blooms, a dash of creativity, and a few expert tips, anyone can craft stunning floral arrangements that rival professional designs.

Selecting the Perfect Blooms

The journey to a breathtaking bouquet begins with the selection of flowers. Opt for a mix of focal flowers, like roses or lilies, which will serve as the centerpiece of your arrangement. Complement these with secondary flowers, such as chrysanthemums or carnations, to add volume and texture. Don’t forget to include filler flowers, like baby’s breath or ferns, to give your bouquet a lush, full look.

Preparing Your Flowers for Arrangement

Once you’ve gathered your flowers, it’s crucial to prepare them properly. Start by removing any leaves that will fall below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. Give each stem a clean cut at a 45-degree angle to ensure maximum water absorption. Plunge the stems into a bucket of fresh water with flower food to keep them hydrated and extend their lifespan.

Design Principles for a Cohesive Look

When arranging your flowers, consider the principles of design: balance, proportion, rhythm, contrast, and harmony. Balance your bouquet by distributing colors and textures evenly. Ensure proportion by keeping the size of the vase in mind; the bouquet should be one and a half times the height of the vase. Create rhythm by repeating patterns and colors throughout the arrangement. Contrast can be achieved by pairing bold colors with soft hues or large blooms with delicate ones. Lastly, harmony is attained when all elements of the bouquet come together to form a cohesive look.

The Art of Arrangement

Begin your arrangement by creating a base with your greenery. This will provide a framework for your flowers. Insert your focal flowers, spacing them out evenly. Weave in your secondary flowers, filling the gaps and adding depth. Finish with your filler flowers, ensuring they peek out between the larger blooms to create a finished look.

Caring for Your Bouquet

To keep your bouquet looking fresh, change the water every two days and re-cut the stems. Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent wilting. With proper care, your bouquet can adorn your space for up to a week or more.

Crafting your own fresh flower bouquets is not only a delightful hobby but also a way to personalize your decor. Whether you’re decorating for a special occasion or simply adding a splash of color to your daily life, the art of flower arrangement is a rewarding and therapeutic experience. Embrace your inner florist and let your creativity bloom.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, creating a beautiful aromatic cottage garden is a delightful endeavor that allows you to blend the charm of traditional cottage aesthetics with the allure of fragrant blooms and herbs.

By following the tips and techniques outlined in this blog post, you can design a picturesque garden sanctuary filled with vibrant colors, intoxicating scents, and timeless beauty.

From selecting the right plants and flowers to incorporating whimsical decor and pathways, every element contributes to the enchanting ambiance of your cottage garden. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned enthusiast, embracing the principles of cottage gardening allows you to create a haven of tranquility and natural beauty that will delight the senses and evoke a sense of nostalgia for years to come.

So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and embark on the journey to create your slice of paradise in the form of a beautiful aromatic cottage garden.

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