{"id":4642,"date":"2014-07-16T10:00:39","date_gmt":"2014-07-16T10:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.newprocontainers.com\/blog\/?p=4642"},"modified":"2026-03-16T23:25:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T03:25:21","slug":"growing-a-cottage-garden-in-containers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldm2.newprocontainers.com\/blog\/growing-a-cottage-garden-in-containers\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing a Cottage Garden in Containers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cottage gardens were the unruly and functional response to traditional English formal gardens found on the grounds of wealthy estates.<\/p>\n

Instead of manicured shrubs, lawns and brilliantly colored annuals the cottage garden incorporated vegetables, herbs, hardy perennials and old fashioned roses. Over time the charm of cottage gardens has caught on and many landscapers choose to use the style of a cottage garden in their modern settings.<\/p>\n

Even if you don\u2019t have much space you can still achieve the quaint charm of a cottage garden in a single container or a grouping of containers. Consider creating outdoor installments in the style of wild and captivating cottage gardens.<\/p>\n

Climbers<\/b><\/h2>\n

Cottage gardens are often full of rambling and climbing vines. Use trellises or other supports to encourage climbers to thrive in pots. Morning glories, sweet peas and climbing roses are classic cottage garden components.<\/p>\n

Packed Full<\/b><\/h2>\n

Cram containers full of blooms and foliage. Keep in mind that a wild and unruly look is part of the charm of a cottage garden. Better Homes and Gardens recommends using soft pink and lavender blooms. Sprawling varieties of petunias, licorice plant and pink verbenas are the perfect plants for full and wild arrangements. Coleus and dusty miller are wonderful mounding foliage plants to fill out space and also add color and texture to cottage garden style containers.<\/p>\n

Ornamental Edibles<\/b><\/h2>\n

Keep in mind that cottage gardens were also functional. While you or your landscape clients may not intend to eat the plants in the arrangements, ornamental edibles still contribute to the overall look of the garden. Consider adding leafy lettuces, ornamental cabbages<\/a> and kale to your arrangements. Trailing herbs such as thyme and oregano are perfect for spilling over the edges of containers. The light purple flowers found on varieties of sage are ideal soft color to add to a cottage garden.<\/p>\n

Containers<\/b><\/h2>\n

Use stone-like planters<\/a>\u00a0to maintain\u00a0the old world style. Unique repurposed containers are also charming additions. Consider galvanized wash basins, old buckets, watering cans and simple ceramic pots. Grouping a variety of containers together will contribute to the full, lush look of a cottage garden.<\/p>\n

Tips to Keep in Mind<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are a few important tips to keep in mind for successful cottage garden container arrangements:<\/p>\n