Cottage Herbs
Cottage
The term ‘Cottage plants' originated from gardens developed by village workers in England who, as they were not wealthy, utilized plants that could easily be taken from cutting or seeds. Annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, and small shrubs are all ‘cottage' favourites.
The joy of these gardens is their casual, informal appearance. They are colourful, decorative and changeable, as annuals and perennials come and go throughout the seasons. Often the only maintenance required is the thinning of vigorous perennials every few years to prevent them taking over the bed.
Cottage gardens generally accommodate a large variety of plant materials, so it is crucial that beds be well prepared with organic material before planting. Compost can be tilled in between cycles of annuals or spread around perennials. Mulch is also a great key to lowering maintenance and water usage and keeping plants happy. Good organic gardening principles will be essential for keeping the cottage garden healthy and bountiful. Companion planting to avoid spraying harsh chemicals will help keep any vegetables or herbs free from garden pests.
