|
quaint cottage gardensBy Barbara Arnold Nothing surpasses the charm of a cottage garden, with its delightful colors, fragrances and textures. Cottage gardens are friendly spaces that invite visitors to slow down and indulge in their beauty, while the bees and other insects that enjoy them move with haste from flower to flower. The concept of a cottage garden has evolved from rather humble beginnings. It was first developed during the Tudor period in England, which lasted from 1485 to the early 1600s. Originally, cottage gardens were suited to very practical purposes, grown by thrifty folks in cottage dwellings who used them to grow food, producing plants equal to their needs that were hardy, easy to divide and with seeds that were easy to collect. As food became more readily available and trade increased, people had more leisure time and reduced need, combined with access to an abundance of new plants due to foreign trade. As a result, people began to plant more flowers than vegetables, and today the term “cottage garden” evokes images of small gated-gardens overflowing with blossoms of every color and variety. The best cottage gardens appear to be haphazard where nature takes over, but are in fact well-planned plots of land. If nature completely ran its course, the garden would become a haven for unwanted invasive plants. As it is, plants are placed wherever there is room or a bit of soil showing. Every existing space is used; one is likely to see vines trailing up walls and fences or plants lining a stone path to the door. The useful function of crowding the plants is that weeds have no place to grow and the soil remains shaded and moist, requiring less watering. Another positive outcome is that the plants are so close together that there is no need to stake them. The eye-catching cottage garden garners much attention from passers-by, but requires little attention and work from those in charge of its upkeep. Cottage gardens are a mix of fruit trees, vegetables, perennials, self-sowing annuals, and bulbs. What plants do American gardeners need to make a cottage garden? This varies from state to state, but in Ohio, gardeners should look for plants that will survive in our conditions, from heavy clay soils to the humidity of the summer. The following is a list of suggestions: Flowering shrubs Perennials Vines Spring Blooming Bulbs Hardy Summer Blooming Bulbs Annuals Fruits and Vegetables Be sure to grow the plants that thrive and pull the weeds. Always work compost into the garden’s soil; a little prep work will show in the health and beauty of the plants. Cottage gardens have long seasons of interest due to the varying fruit, berries, flowers, and plant textures. With some care, watering, and deadheading these gardens fill out and bloom all season long. A frequent haunt of birds, bees, and butterflies, the cottage garden will soon be a favorite spot for you and yours.
Photos credit: www.canstockphoto.com To comment on this article, contact info@ourohio.org You must be logged in to leave a comment. Click here to login or register. |
Grow It. Make It. Know It. :
March 13, 2010 - October 23, 2010
Location: Preble County
Paws in the Plaza :
April 01, 2010 - December 02, 2010
Location: Creekside Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna
Family Fishing at Creekside :
May 08, 2010 - September 11, 2010
Location: Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna, OH
>> view all
