Part 1: How to Plan and Execute a Cottage Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide

So many of you asked me how do you plan your garden and where do you start. You asked, and I listened. I will be doing a three part series on how to plan and execute a cottage garden. The bonus is we will design and plan it together. First a little about cottage gardens. A cottage garden is the epitome of charm and nostalgia—a lush, colorful oasis brimming with character and timeless beauty. If you’ve been dreaming of creating your own cottage garden, you’re in for a rewarding journey.

If you’re new to the blog, check out my post here with my cottage garden plant list. As part of this three-part series I will be introducing new plants that I will be using for my next cottage garden project. Stay tuned.

Here’s a guide to help you plan, design, and execute the garden of your dreams.

Phase 1: Planning the Vision

1. Decide Your Style and Purpose

Before you start, consider how you want your garden to look and feel. Do you envision a classic English cottage garden overflowing with flowers? Or do you want a more country space with herbs, vegetables, and wildflowers? Do you want garden rooms or a play space for children? Define your garden’s purpose—will it be a tranquil retreat, a haven for pollinators, or a mix of beauty and utility? My first suggestion is to create a Pinterest board of pictures and designs that inspire you. If you are not following me, you can follow here. I have saved pictures of my gardens and gardens and spaces that inspire me. I also linked Jackson & Perkins here, they will be sponsoring the garden!

2. Assess Your Space

Evaluate your available area and sunlight conditions. A cottage garden can fit anywhere, from a sprawling backyard to a small front yard. Take note of:

• Size: Decide on the garden’s scale based on your space and maintenance capacity. Remember it is okay to start small and expand. That’s exactly what I did and am going to continue to expand with you on this three part series
• Sunlight: Most cottage plants love full sun, so choose a sunny spot for best results. When checking for full sun you need 6-8 hours of sunshine, but start counting that time after 10am. If you have shade that’s okay, you will just have to choose shade loving plants. I wrote a post here on shade loving plants and here is the link of the flowers shown in the above picture.
• Test Your Soil: Testing your soil can be done any time you can work the soil. This will guarantee its fertile and based o the test will tell you how to amend your soil. You should check with your cooperative extension on where to send your soil samples. For my friends in Connecticut, you can find more information here. Your soil test CAN measure pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels. It can find nutrient imbalances, excesses, and deficiencies. A soil test CANNOT tell you anything about poor drainage, insufficient sunlight, or insects or diseases.
• Water: Please make sure your cottage garden is near a water source. Most cottage garden plants need one inch of water and roses need two inches of water a week to be successful. Please remember to water at the base if you don’t have drip irrigation.

Note: If you are using raised beds with bags of soil you do not need to test. The test results are on the bag.

3. Sketch Your Garden Layout

Create a simple plan or layout on how you want your garden to look. It is important to know the size of the space and also include:

Paths: Winding paths add to the charm and accessibility

Focal Points: Incorporate a birdbath, bench, trellis or arbor for added interest in possible

Plan the beds: plan for a mix of tall, medium and low growing plants to create a layered look. I will be creating this garden with plants and roses from Jackson and Perkins.

Next in this series on planning your garden will be “Choosing the Right Plants.” See you soon!