English Cottage Garden
Select a large sunny plot - smallest area being 10 by 12 feet. Remove weeds and spread 3 inches of compost over the complete area, working it in with a spade or tiller. Rake until smooth.
1 "Danse Du Feu" climbing rose: plant rose in back of bed to one side close to a wall or fence if possible. Soak bare root rose in water overnight before abundant, flossy foliage. Bears rounded double scarlet flowers, 3 inches ( 8cm) across in summer- autumn. Height and spread 8 feet ( 2.5m). Good for arbor, fence or trellis. Zones 5-10
9 Pink Delphiniums ( pink, purple or white) plant across part of the back and in middle of garden bed. A genus of perennials and annuals grown for their spikes of irregularly cup shaped, sometimes hooded, spurred flowers. Fully to half hardy. Needs a open sunny position and fertile, rich, well drained soil. Tall cultivators need stalking and ample feeding and watering in spring and early summer.
In spring remove thin growths from well established plants, leaving 5-7 strong shoots. If flower spikes are removed after they fade, a 2nd flush may be produced in late summer, providing plants are fed and watered well.
Propagate by seed in autumn and spring.
3 Scottish Thistle are attention getting. They are also very invasive and are considered noxious weeds in some parts of the United States. Bi-ennials that grow from rosette of leaves the 1st season to tall silvery branched columns the next year, bloom and die. Related to both artichokes and thistles they have the same distinctive, light purple flowers. ( perhaps the model for the Scottish national emblem.) Leaves are covered with cottony hairs that reflect light and give it, it's ghostly appearance. The 1st year basal rosette has leaves up to a foot in length. The following summer, a large flowering stark with numerous branches arises from the center of the leaves. The thistle flowers are purple when open.
Grow in full sun in any garden soil. Despite their height these plants require no stalking support. They will need plenty of room and will reseed. To control this cut off their flower heads when they lose their purple color.
Not recommended as a cultivated plant.
2 Shrubby Cinquefoil, a bushy plant with beautiful gold flowers that bloom all summer with lush green compound leaves that make a good hedge. Growing 1-2 ft in height and with a 2-4 ft. spread.
Drought tolerant. Zones 2-7.
8 Sweet William, a slow growing upright bushy perennial with lance shaped leaves. Bi-colored flowers are carried on flat heads up to 5 inches ( 12cm) wide in early summer.
6 inches high with a 8 - 11 inch spread. Needs full sun and well drained soil. Hardy to 0 degrees F., 30 degrees c, Zones 5-8.
Additional Flowers for an English Cottage Garden
Dwarf Apple Tree; a tree with white spring blooms and edible fruit in the fall. Grows 6- 8 ft tall in zones 3-9.
Jackmanii Clematis: This popular old fashioned hybrid has 4 to 7 inch deep violet flowers with flattened sepals is well known to gardeners every where. Flowers appear on new wood all summer long until first frost and can be very abundant. This plant climbs by wrapping it's leaf petioles around narrow objects and can reach up to 12 feet in height.
It's fuzzy seed heads and leaves of dark green and pinnate are another point of attraction.
Plant where roots are in a cool shady spot such as under a shrub. Put upper growth in full sun.
Soil should be light organic, and well drained, but not moist. Use an abundant cover of mulch. Grows well in alkaline soil, but does not require it for healthy growth.
In early spring, prune to the ground. ( early spring blooms should be pruned lightly. In cold climates, mount plentiful soil at the base if the plant for winter.
Old Fashion Weigela; deciduous shrub grown for their showy, funnel shaped flowers, fully hardy. Prefers sun and fertile soil. Prune a few older branches to grown level after flowering to maintain vigor. Straggly old plants maybe pruned hard in spring, ( though this will lose 1 seasons growth.)
Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.
Common Witch Hazel: Native to eastern North America, this plant is grown as a ornamental shrub for it's fall flowers. It is a tall shrub or short tree that can grow up to 20 feet in height and spread, possibly more in their native environment. It is remarkable for its fall colors, usually being the last flower of the year to bloom. The curious flowers are yellow and fragrant, bearing 4 strap like petals. They are borne in loose clusters and the display can last 2 - 4 weeks in Oct., Nov. or Dec. depending on the local climate. The leaves are irregular in shape - nearly rounded with toothed margins. They are medium green in summer, turning golden brown in all before dropping. In some climates the leaves are still on the shrubs when flowers appear diminishing the floral effect, although the heady perfume is still a drawing card.
Witch Hazel does best in full sun to light shade and adapts to moist soil, even pour ones. In the wilds it most commonly grows in moist situations.
This plant is usually reserved for the back of shrub borders. Makes a good choice for naturalizing.
Sweet Alyssum: "Wonderland" perennial or annual, some are evergreen. Grown for their flowers. Fully hardy. Needs sun and well drained soil. Cut back lightly after flowering.
Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or by seed in spring or autumn. Deep pink blooms from summer - fall. Height 6 inches. All zones.
Moss Pink "Marjory", Zones 4-9 this plant appears in the early spring - summer with a dense evergreen carpet covered in blooms. A ground hugging plant that grows up to 6inches in height with evergreen leaves on creeping woody stems the star shaped flowers are 34 inches across and come in a variety of shades.
Grow in full sun to partial shade in a well drained even sandy soil. DO NOT OVER FERTILIZE! After blooming has passed, prune harshly ( 1-2 inches) to simulate new growth.
Propagate by division, layering or cuttings.
Perfect for a rock garden.
Cleome: the spider flower. Cleome starts blooming early and flowers continue to open atop 6 ft stems. Exceedingly long stamens that extend well past the orchid like flowers, are what give this flower it's name.
This plants flowers with many opening at once, grow in airy racemes 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Flowers are white, pink or lavender in color. When flowers fade they are followed by long pods that extend outward from the stem below the terminal raceme. Leases grow on long stalks from a single stem.
Drought tolerant, thought it will grow better if watered well, likes average soil and full us to partial shade. Space plants 3 ft. apart.
Propagation by seed, sown after the last frost when the ground is warm.
Cosmos; are one of the fastest growing annuals, native of Mexico, some varieties can reach up to 6 feet by summers end.
Cosmos form a lacy open plant 3-4 inches in diameter with feathery foliage.
Grows best in full sun, but will do acceptably well in partial shade. Well drained soil, needs no fertilizers. Space 12 inches apart. Cosmos need space and are not easily stalked.
Propagation: this plant reseeds vigorously. If planting by seed, sow after last danger of frost and do not cover, need light to germinate. For early bloom sow 2-4 weeks before planting outdoors. Germination takes 3-7 days at 70 degrees F.
Should be planted to the back of borders and grouped against fences or other places as a covering. Cosmos can also provide height for the center of an Island bed.
Good for cutting.
Foxglove: this widely used heart medicine comes from is a biennial plant with bell shaped leaves that flower in late spring. Native to eastern Europe.
Foxglove grows for months as a rosette of grey/green leaves; then tall spikes surrounded by buds quickly arise, growing form 3 to 7 feet tall. Most flowers, which are white, cream, pink, salmon, lavender or red are marked with blotches of contrasting colors.
This plant thrives in light woodlands or at the fringes of tree or shrub plantings. Will grow in average soil if kept moist. Fertilize with general fertilizer when flower spikes appear. Usually don't need stalking.
To prevent reseeding, cut flower spikes after bloom.
Propagation: by seed. To grow as a biennial, sow seeds outdoors in June or July so husky plants can over winter, for bloom the 1st year, sow indoors 8-10 weeks prior to planting outdoors. Seeds germinate in 15 to 20 days at 70 degrees F.
Four O'clocks. a well branched, bush shrub from 1 to 3 feet tall. Flowering is generous with plants covered with white, yellow, red, purple and bi-colored flowers. Sometimes different flower patterns appear on the same plant. When closed flowers curl up tightly.
Grow in full sun, average to rich garden soil is ideal for four o'clocks. They will also bloom in partial shade, although they will be lankier. Very tolerant to humidity, air pollution, heat and drought. Plant outdoors when danger of frost is passed. Plant 18-24 inches apart. This plant forms tubers which after frost can be dug up and stored for replanting the following year.
Propagation: by seed or by tubers. In warm climates with a long growing season you can start seeds outdoors after last frost. For shorter growing seasons, you'll get earlier blooms by starting indoors 4 to 6 weeks before outdoor planting. Germination period is 7-10 days at 70 degrees F.
Four O'clocks make a neat low hedge. They can be used for edging walks and borders or grouped in the center of the border. Because these flowers stay open at night they are attractive when planted near evening activities, such as, lighted pools or patios.
Chives; height 8- 12 inches, spread of 8 inches. Perennial with very tight clumps of long skinny grass like onions leaves. They produce an abundance of small, rosy purple, globe shaped flowers in early summer. can be used as edging plants, grown alone or with other plants in containers. Chives have mild onion flavor.
Needs average to rich, moist soil. Grows in full sun to partial shade. Can also be grown in doors as a potted plant year round. Propagate by seed or division, taken any time during growing season.
Uses; Fresh: dried or frozen leaves - cream cheese spreads, cottage cheese, potatoes, salads, eggs, soups, poultry, fish, shellfish and veal. Add during last minutes of cooking, fresh flower - vinegars, salads, garnishes, Dried Flowers - Floral arrangements, wreaths.
Preservation: Harvest only part of the plant at a time for continuous production through out the season. Mince leaves then freeze them for full flavoring. Dried leaves are less flavor filled.
Hang the flowers to dry for decorative uses. Pick them before any seed begin to appear.
Dill; annual 24 to 36 inches in height with a spread of 6 inches. Has extremely fine cut fern like leaves on tall stems. A blue/green annual with attractive yellow flower bells and yellow/green seed heads
Likes acid, light, moist and sandy soil in full sun. Does not transplant well! Grow in clumps or rows so stems can give each other support.
Propagate by seed in late fall or early spring. Plant at 3 week intervals during spring and early summer for a fresh supply all season.
Uses: fresh leaves: potatoes, tomatoes, vinegars, pickles, fish, shrimp, stews, cheeses, lamb, pork, poultry; fresh and dried seed heads - floral arrangements; seeds- pickles and cheeses.
Preservation: clip fresh leaves as needed. Flavor best retained for winter use if frozen; pick the leaves just as flowers begin to open. For seeds, harvest entire plants when seed heads are brown, but not yet releasing seeds.
Hang dry in paper bag to catch seeds.
Feverfew: Moderately, fast growing, short lived, bushy perennial, grown as a annual. Lobed green leaves are aromatic; small daisy like white flower heads are carried in summer and early autumn.
Height and spread 8 to 18 inches. Often used as a medicinal plant for migraine headaches.
Woodworm; a genius of perennials and spreading dwarf sub-shrubs some of which are evergreen or semi-evergreen. Grown mainly for their fern like silvery foliage that is sometimes aromatic. Fully to half hardy.
Prefers open sunny, well drained sites. Dwarf types benefit from a winter protection of sharp grit or gravel. Trim lightly in spring.
Propagate by division in spring or softwood cutting in summer.