[ad_1]
Hi GPODers!
Certain countries automatically bring specific design styles to mind. Japan conjures visions of verdant plantings and naturalistic water features, while fragrant plants spilling from terracotta containers in a patio garden remind us of courtyards in Spain and Italy. The same can be said for England’s iconic cottage gardens. When someone says, “English garden” it’s hard not to imagine a very specific kind of design. Of course, even when an garden utilizes plants or style elements that are signature to cottage designs, the execution is always unique to each individual landscape. The garden of Peter Shaw in County Durham in Northeast England is an excellent example. While there are definitely elements of that classic cottage style present, retaining walls keep all the plantings a bit more tamed and tidy and the plants selected make for a much more modern palette.
A sloped garden introduces tons of new obstacles and challenges, but it does have one benefit: the ease of building lush layers with a little less thought and strategy required for selecting and siting plants. Peter has the option to plant something smaller in the back of the bed—like hydrangeas that are much more compact than larger specimens on lower tiers—that would not be possible in a flat landscape.
These retaining walls also provide more visible opportunities for garden art, which is sprinkled unsparingly throughout Peter’s beds. You will also see wonderful container plantings scattered throughout the garden, a great use of every inch of available space for more plants and personality.
Cottage gardens are all about color through lots of diverse and vibrant blooms, and Peter’s garden features just about every color imaginable. However, he doesn’t just rely on flowers for this gorgeous palette of hues, he also utilizes foliage for even more amazing plant pairing possibilities—like the pink Japanese maple situated between hydrangeas and phlox.
Flower-filled but with plenty of room left for more creativity and fun. Some gardeners are traditionalists, embracing the “rules” of gardening and looking to achieve something very specific. But the benefit of a cottage style garden is the opportunity to experiment. The “rules” in this style are much less hard and fast, allowing the gardener to interpret them in a way that matches their personal style and garden layout.
Finally, a sweet little seating area surrounded by even more containers of fabulous foliage and flowers.
Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous designs with us, Peter! You’ve clearly made an iconic and beloved design style completely your own, injecting tons of personality and creativity into your space.
Are there traditional garden styles that you try to emulate in your garden? From a Zen Japanese garden to wild, naturalistic plantings, what atmosphere are you cultivating in your landscape? Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #FineGardening!
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Channel Link Rain Chain, 8.5 Feet, Pure Solid Copper
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Elevate Your Exterior: Replace unsightly gutter downspouts with this stunning rain chain. Enjoy the mesmerizing sights and soothing sounds of rain cascading gracefully down, adding beauty to any outdoor space. Exceptional Durability: Crafted from pure copper, our rain chains for gutters are meticulously hand-assembled, promising a lifetime of classic beauty and resilience. Install in a Snap: No need to be an expert. Easily swap your rain chains for downspouts using the supplied hanging hook. Our rain chains for outside are compatible with any standard gutter hole. Optional gutter installer sold separately. Unrestricted Water Flow: The open-flow design of the gutter chain downspout allows water to effortlessly cascade down the chain without fear of backing up, even by heavy rain. Dimensions: Cup: 1.25 inches wide, 2 inches tall, 8.5 feet long, Cup count: 25
XLUX Soil Moisture Meter
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
– Large and clear dial, including ten scales, plug and read
– Simply insert the moisture meter into soil and you’ll get the test result instantly
– Single probe, less hurts to the roots, doesn’t dig up too much soil after test
Niteangel Natural Wooden Insect Hotel, Garden Insect House for Ladybugs, lacewings, Butterfly, Bee, Bug
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
The insect nest box provide a safe environment where garden creatures can shelter, hibernate and lay their eggs, the insect house can also keep insects from entering your warm room. The insect hotel makes it easy to find and observe fascinating creatures. the butterfly, bees and ladybugs can use this product as habitat. Dry wood and Bamboo can be home to many insects such as ladybirds and lacewings which eat aphids and help keep your plants pest-free. the insect hotel improve the growth of plants in your yard by attracting beneficial insects. The iron design on the top can keep the insect house from rainwater. Let the insect house have a longer useful life and make the insects more comfortable. If you only have a balcony or yard, the hanging garden shelter is ideal as it provides a choice of suitable habitats in a small area.
[ad_2]
GPOD Contributor
Source link