Front Garden dilema?

[rachaelersk]

We have a south facing front garden which we are in the process of re doing. We would like some borders and have no idea what plants flowers etc would suit. Cotswold stone cottage with borders to be under each of the windows.  Both my husband and I are novices at this gardening lark. Help! Any suggestions?

[pjm007]

Having a south facing garden is a real bonus. If you are looking to create a typical cottage garden theme the rules are simple and relatively low maintenance as plants should be planted close together (and to be allowed to grow 'wildly' (although some routine work will be required) The cottage garden has no formal plan. It is a riot of colour and plants crammed in wherever there is a space.Let plants self-seed themselves where they will and you will have no weeding to do as the weeds won't stand a chance against such closely-packed in plants. Any gaps can be filled in by sowing annuals, such as Snapdragons, Poppies and Cornflowers. Grow Hollyhocks beside walls and fences - but don't just confine them to the back because they are tall - plant them anywhere in your borders as height is irrelevant and tall plants don't have to be planted only at the back. Entwine Honeysuckle amongst any hedging you have or train it to grow through your trees. Also, you could grow herbs by your kitchen door in pots and tubs so they are close at hand for cooking.

Good luck and happy gardening.

[doctorsteve]

The cottage garden style would suit your situation well and PJM's answer is excellent.  Few additional points. Try to plant in groups, preferrably odd numbers eg 3, as this makes the whole affect less fussy and confused.  Try to propagate your own plants as much as possible as it works out expensive to buy all from garden centre.  Your new neighbours may be happy to give you cutting or even split plants.  If you buy one healthy plant you can often split it before planting it out.  Plant choice is a very personal thing but some of my favorites that work well with a cottage theme are delphiniums (you can get dwarf varieties), jacobs ladder, geraniums( the out door perennials type), iris (siberica or bearded), hebe, lavender(suit south facing well drained) and lupins.  Don't forget bulbs for spring and summer.  Buy these in autumn from mail order supplier as they are much cheaper.  Good luck with the project, may it give you joy for years to come.

[woofgang]

have you got neighbours? Go take a look at what grows in theirs and chat to them about what does well. Gardeners are lovely people and you might find yourself gifted with plants, cuttings etc...

[pjm007]

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.) are also a great plant for a cottage garden as they are rampant self-seeders. They are perennial and look attractive in any garden. I planted two chive plants about three years ago and now have well over thirty. They are just starting to come into flower.

[pjm007]

PS. Also very nice to use in salads, sandwiches or jacket spuds, etc.

[Robinia]

woofgang's advice is great.  When I first moved to this area  & started my garden I was inundated with neighbour's surplus plants, & now it's me who is passing plants on.  No one ever leaves my garden empty handed!