If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your outdoor space, a cottage garden might be just what you need. These gardens blend flowers, shrubs, and sometimes herbs or veggies into a natural, relaxed look that feels cozy and inviting.
A cottage garden is all about creating a charming, lush space that feels both beautiful and easy to enjoy. Whether you have a big yard or a small patch, there are plenty of ideas to help you bring that classic, laid-back vibe to your garden this spring.
Plant Hollyhocks for tall, colorful blooms
You can add height and color to your garden with hollyhocks. These tall plants grow up to 8 feet and produce vibrant flowers in many shades.
Hollyhocks are easy to grow and work great along fences or walls for a dreamy cottage look. They bloom from summer into autumn, bringing long-lasting color to your space. Check out tips on how to grow hollyhocks for the best results here.
Add cottage-style peonies for lush flowers
If you want big, fluffy blooms in your garden, peonies are a great choice. They bring soft color and a classic cottage vibe without much fuss.
Peonies do well in spring and early summer, and they pair nicely with other cottage favorites like roses and lavender. Their rich, full flowers add a lush touch to your flower beds. You can find more inspiration for using peonies in a cottage garden here.
Grow Cosmos to attract butterflies
You’ll love adding cosmos to your garden for an easy way to attract butterflies. These flowers have delicate, airy blooms that add a whimsical touch.
Cosmos grow well from seeds, so you can start them indoors or plant them directly outside. They also help bees and other pollinators, which is great for your garden’s health. Check out this cosmos grow kit for a simple way to get started.
Include bright Dahlias for summer color
If you want easy summer color, dahlias are a great pick. Their blooms come in a bunch of bright shades that can really liven up your garden. Dahlias bloom from midsummer to fall, giving you long-lasting color. You can mix different types for a vibrant, cheerful look that fits a cottage garden style well.
Try varieties like Dahlia Ambition for rich purples or smaller ones like Good Hope for soft pinks and yellow centers to add variety to your space. Learn more about stunning dahlia varieties here.
Use Pinks for sweet fragrance
You can add sweet-smelling charm to your garden by planting pinks. These flowers have a gentle fragrance that brightens outdoor spaces without being overpowering.
They’re easy to grow and bring a soft, romantic touch to your cottage garden. Try mixing different shades of pink for a varied look that smells nice too.
Pinks also attract beneficial insects, helping your garden stay healthy and lively. For more ideas on fragrant cottage gardens, check out cottage garden ideas.
Add Columbine for unique flower shapes
If you want a flower that stands out, try adding columbines to your garden. Their bell-shaped blossoms come in a mix of colors and add a delicate touch.
Columbines bloom from mid-spring to early summer, giving your garden a nice burst of interest. They also attract hummingbirds, which is a fun bonus for any garden lover. Learn more about this overlooked gem from this cottage garden guide.
Plant Daylilies for easy-care perennials
If you want low-fuss flowers, daylilies are a solid pick. They thrive in full sun but can handle some shade, making them flexible in your garden. Daylilies bloom reliably year after year with minimal care. You don’t need to stress about watering too much or complicated soil prep.
Adding daylilies brings color and texture without a lot of effort. They fit right into a cottage garden style and keep things simple for you. Learn more about growing daylilies here.
Use Cranesbill Geranium as ground cover
You can easily add Cranesbill Geranium to your garden as a low-maintenance ground cover. It grows quickly and fills in empty spaces with attractive foliage and pretty flowers.
This plant does well in both sun and partial shade, making it versatile for many spots in your garden. Plus, it tolerates some drought once established, so it’s pretty forgiving. For more tips on using Cranesbill Geranium, check out this guide to fast-growing ground covers.
Create flower boxes on your porch
You can instantly add charm by placing flower boxes on your porch. Choose a mix of colorful blooms and greenery for a fresh, inviting look.
Opt for plants that thrive in your local climate to keep things low-maintenance. Flower boxes brighten your porch and help define your cottage garden style. For ideas on arranging flower boxes, check out this cottage garden flower tour.
Incorporate edible plants like herbs and blueberries
You can easily add herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary to your cottage garden for fresh flavors right outside your door. These plants not only look good but are super handy for cooking.
Blueberries are another great choice. They add a splash of color and give you sweet, homegrown fruit to enjoy. Combining herbs and berries makes your garden both beautiful and useful. For tips on mixing edibles with flowers, check out this guide on making room for edibles in cottage gardens.
Design winding stone paths with an arbor
You can create a cozy, inviting feel by adding winding stone paths to your cottage garden. These curves break up the space and make your garden feel larger and more interesting.
Adding an arbor along the path gives you a charming focal point. You can grow climbing plants on it, like roses or clematis, for a touch of color and fragrance.
This combination guides visitors through your garden naturally and adds a bit of magic to your outdoor space. Check out ideas for creating paths and arbors here.
Mix foundation shrubs with flowers
Start with foundation shrubs like hydrangeas or boxwoods to give structure. Then fill in with colorful flowers such as foxgloves or lavender for variety. This mix creates a balanced look that feels natural and inviting in your garden.
You can add climbing roses or clematis to soften edges and add height. Try combining different textures and colors to keep your garden interesting all season. For more ideas, check out these cottage garden ideas.
Add vintage garden furniture
You can bring charm to your cottage garden by adding vintage garden furniture. Look for weathered wooden benches or wrought iron chairs that fit the relaxed, cozy vibe.
These pieces give your garden a timeless feel and a perfect spot to sit and enjoy your flowers. Check out ideas to create a dreamy cottage garden on a budget for inspiration.
Use online shade maps to plan sun exposure
You can use online shade maps to figure out exactly where the sun hits your garden. This helps you decide the best spots for different plants based on their sunlight needs. Tracking sun exposure with a map is especially useful for a cottage garden since it often combines sun-loving flowers with shade-tolerant herbs.
Try using tools that show sun patterns throughout the day and year to make smarter planting choices for your space. Find more tips on how to create one at this guide on how to sun map your garden.
Layer plants densely for that overflowing look
To get that classic cottage garden vibe, plant your flowers close together. This helps create a lush, overflowing effect without bare spots.
Mix different heights and textures to make your garden feel full and natural. You’ll want to include plenty of blooms so nothing feels sparse. Try including sunflowers, roses, and fragrant flowers for variety and charm. This approach keeps weeds at bay too.