ISLAND G SNEDRA The Cottage Garden

By most definitions, this is a garden that uses informal design, packed with colourful plants, often mixing ornamentals and edibles. English in origin, it is graceful and charming in its structure, rather than formal or grand.

And despite being full of plants, it is often one of the most easiest gardens to maintain. This is usually because plants take the space where weeds would otherwise grow, and most of the plants require very little pruning or maintenance. Cottage gardens may be too densely planted for many people's tastes, but they still look amazing when planted more sparsely. Just be sure to have plenty of mulch on the ground to minimise weed growth.

The first step is to plan the garden. Maybe draw a small map, and decide where ornamental additions will go, such as a birdbath, pathway, seating, water feature, or statue, etc. Put smaller plants around these items, taller plants behind them, and so on. Is it already starting to look beautiful in your mind? :-D

For low maintenance, be sure to check the adult height of the plant, so you're not having to trim it down to size several times a year. As always, check for it's sun or shade needs, and check that it's not going to need a lot of watering once established.

If your soil needs enriching, mushroom compost is wonderful, especially if your soil is sandy.

Plenty of fertilisers are also available that only need applying once or twice a year. One of the first plants that come to mind is lavender. There are so many varieties, all with a beautiful aroma and a variety of foliage. And cuttings in an ornate little bag by the bed, aid relaxation and sleep.

A wonderful thing about cottage gardens, is you can mix and match however you wish - flowers, vegetable, herbs - the bees

By Peter Schinkel

love it, it looks fantastic, and it's satisfying too, especially when you have yet another reason to go into the garden (to collect edibles before mealtimes).

Here's some great choices to set you on your way, but remember ~ because it's informal, there's no rules ~ if you love a plant, and you think it'll look great, buy it.

Perennials: aster, buddleia, butterfly bush, chrysanthemum, daisy, daphne, fuchsia, roses, salvia, statice.

Climbing plants: clematis, ornamental grapevine, jasmine, mandevilla, wisteria

Annuals: dahlia, foxglove, lupin, p eony, sunflower

Herbs: oregano, sage, tansy, thyme, yarrow

Ground covers: alyssum, lobelia.

Spring bulbs: cyclamen, daffodil, hyacinth, jonquil, tulip.

Thanks for reading. I look forward to being with you again in issue 197 on 11th August,and as always ~ happy gardening.