The dream COTTAGE GARDEN

Turn your plot into a rural idyll

-  BECKY DICKINSON

Few gardens can delight the senses and touch the emotions quite like  a cottage garden. With drifts of softly coloured perennials, jumbling climbers and blooms galore, it’s the quintessentially English garden.

The good news is you don’t need to live in a country cottage to create one. Any garden will do, and as there’s no wasted space, it’s perfect for smaller plots and for growing lots of plants in a confined area.

Soft hues 

Forget geometric layouts and minimalism, the aim is to leave no patch of soil uncovered. You want to produce a haven that’s romantic, relaxed and brimming with flowers. Soft shades are best, so set the tone by sticking to a subtle palette of gentle blues, pinks and purples.