Stephen Westcott-Gratton, author; Paddy Wales, photographer. Creating a Cottage Garden in North America. Fulcrum Publishing. 2000.

What does the term "cottage garden" mean to you? I've always pictured a garden full of flowers surrounding a little white cottage with a picket fence around the yard. The author discusses what this term means currently. I loved this summary of an "English style cottage garden.

The most successful cottage gardens are simple ones that work directly with nature. These are the gardens that are the healthiest and therefore the loveliest. Authentic cottage gardens were not contrived affairs, being the result of country artisans who were short on free time and whose aesthetic senses were closely linked to the countryside. It is this lack of sophistication that makes these plots tick, and the surest way to ruin a cottage garden is to install an elaborate fountain or to try to "tidy things up" with boxwood hedging. Neatness has been thrown on the sacrificial altar in favor of unabashed exuberance and bounty. [Page 8.]

Recommendation

I found the plant information reliable and particularly appreciated being given the scientific name for each plant discussed in addition to the common names. This makes it easier to find a plant you read about in this book.

I suggest reading this book through and then creating your own cottage garden. You can feel free to modify it as you desire. Some may want all flowers while others prefer lots of food plants. I like the idea of "sneaking" a few vegetable plants into the garden border.