Cottage gardens are simply beautiful. I am not sure if it is the uniquely compatible way of planting everything you love, or the creative chaos. There is a method behind this creative way of gardening. The Modern Cottage Garden by Greg Loades takes the reader on quite the journey.
First of all, the author is in my head. I am THAT gardener who cannot resist the plant in the nursery. I do not always know where it will be planted in my garden, but certain it belongs with me. When an author speaks to you, it is easy to begin falling in love with how one interprets the garden.
COTTAGE VISITS
Two special gardens in the United Kingdom begin this book’s journey. Greg explains the ideology behind the making of these beautiful sites. The gardens at Newby Hall and Scampston Walled Garden are beautifully photographed. Capturing not just the pictures, but explaining their classic styles was of interest. I ventured outside and realized…I can plant more. What is a Cottage garden without a plan?
COTTAGE HOW TO’S
Greg had my heart when he shared the diversity found in a private garden in Cambridgeshire. I quickly realized I need to attend the National Garden Scheme. This will be on the to-do list of garden travels …but I digress. Suggestions on planting the modern cottage garden like being curious, spontaneity matters, and more, are a gentle way of creating a plan. Yes, those flower-filled borders in almost continual bloom do need to have a starting point. With thoughts of garden accessories like pots or a backdrop of some type, help set the tone.
Sharing plant combinations for a multitude of spaces, lawn reconsideration, and more are helpful to the reader. The container chapters were quite the game-changer for me. Pots and containers truly make quite the cottage garden with the proper recipe.
SEASON-BY-SEASON
In every season, a modern cottage garden can delight its owner. It all comes down to what you plant and how it is maintained. The author covers this and more. Timber Press knew this was a book worth having in any cottage gardener’s dreams. The photographs of how the garden evolves in each season are amazing. Each season includes a to-do list as well as maintenance tips. As most gardeners know, the care of our plants equals the joy they bring to our gardens.
PLANTS FOR DESSERT
There are plants and then there are essential plants. I truly love this style of gardening and this plant list has given me confidence. After perusing this list of fifty plants, I realized that I am in good shape. I only need a handful of plants from the list – and perhaps a few more pots.
If a creative, well-planned, chaotic, and diverse garden is in your dreams, I highly recommend this book. From the gardens which were shared to the creative plant combinations, this book is inspirational.
Off to the garden center, I could have sworn I saw a gap in my garden!
Teri, Cottage In The Court
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