How to Plan a Cottage Garden: From Sweet Peas to Hollyhocks

A cottage garden is a charming, whimsical space overflowing with flowers, rich textures, and a sense of unrestrained beauty. Unlike formal gardens with precise symmetry, a cottage garden embraces an informal, abundant planting style, often featuring classic flowers like sweet peas, hollyhocks, delphiniums, and foxgloves. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing space, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planning a romantic, flower-filled cottage garden.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Location

A successful cottage garden starts with selecting the ideal location. Most traditional cottage garden plants thrive in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, if you have a partially shaded area, you can still achieve the look by incorporating shade-tolerant plants like foxgloves, hellebores, and columbines.

Soil quality is also essential—rich, well-draining soil will support a diverse mix of flowers. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, amend it with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve its structure and fertility.

Step 2: Designing the Layout

Cottage gardens are known for their informal, overflowing look, but they still require thoughtful planning. Consider the following elements when designing your layout:

1. Layering for Height and Depth

A well-planned cottage garden has a sense of verticality, with plants arranged by height:

• Tall flowers (4-8 feet): Hollyhocks, foxgloves, delphiniums, and sunflowers create a dramatic backdrop.
• Medium-height plants (2-4 feet): Phlox, roses, daisies, and salvias add fullness and color.
• Low-growing plants (under 2 feet): Sweet peas, violets, alyssum, and creeping thyme fill in gaps and soften borders.

Planting in clusters or drifts rather than single rows creates a more naturalistic look.

2. Pathways and Structures

Incorporating meandering pathways made of gravel, stepping stones, or brick enhances the romantic charm of a cottage garden. Arches, trellises, and obelisks provide support for climbing plants like sweet peas, clematis, and roses, adding vertical interest.

3. Mixing Flowers and Edibles

Traditionally, cottage gardens combined flowers, herbs, and vegetables. You can integrate edibles like lavender, chives, thyme, strawberries, and even tomatoes for both beauty and function.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Plants

A well-balanced cottage garden includes a mix of annuals, perennials, biennials, and climbers to ensure continuous blooms throughout the growing season.

1. Classic Cottage Garden Flowers

• Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus) – These fragrant climbers bloom profusely in spring and early summer, ideal for trellises and archways.
• Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) – Towering spires of large, colorful flowers that add vertical drama.
• Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) – Bell-shaped blooms loved by pollinators, perfect for shady spots.
• Delphiniums – Vibrant blue and purple spikes that provide striking color.
• Peonies – Lush, romantic blooms that return year after year.
• Roses – Classic shrub or climbing varieties like David Austin roses work beautifully.
• Daisies (Leucanthemum spp.) – Simple, cheerful flowers that add a meadow-like feel.

2. Fragrant and Pollinator-Friendly Choices

• Lavender – Aromatic and perfect for edging paths.
• Phlox – Fragrant clusters of summer flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple.
• Bee Balm (Monarda) – Attracts hummingbirds and adds a pop of color.
• Catmint (Nepeta) – A lavender-like plant that bees and butterflies adore.

3. Filler and Ground Cover Plants

• Alyssum – A low-growing plant that spills over borders with tiny, fragrant blooms.
• Creeping Thyme – Great for softening the edges of paths.
• Violas and Pansies – Early bloomers that add cheer in spring and fall.

Step 4: Planting and Maintenance

1. When and How to Plant

• Perennials and shrubs should be planted in early spring or fall to allow root establishment.
• Annuals like sweet peas can be direct sown in early spring after the last frost.
• Biennials like foxgloves and hollyhocks need to be started one year in advance for blooms the following season.

2. Watering and Fertilizing

• Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch per week.
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Use organic fertilizers like compost tea or fish emulsion to keep plants thriving.

3. Pruning and Deadheading

Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages more blooms. Some perennials, like delphiniums and phlox, can be cut back after blooming to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Step 5: Adding Finishing Touches

1. Garden Ornaments and Accessories

A true cottage garden embraces charm and whimsy. Consider adding:

• Birdbaths and birdhouses to attract wildlife.
• Rustic wooden benches nestled among flowers.
• Vintage containers and wheelbarrows planted with blooms.

2. Seasonal Interest

Extend the garden’s appeal by adding elements for every season:

• Spring: Daffodils, tulips, and primroses.
• Summer: Roses, hollyhocks, and sweet peas.
• Fall: Asters, sedum, and ornamental grasses.
• Winter: Evergreens, hellebores, and dried seed heads for structure.

Conclusion

Planning a cottage garden is as much about embracing creativity and spontaneity as it is about structure. By layering plants, incorporating romantic climbers, and mixing perennials with annuals, you’ll create a timeless, enchanting retreatfilled with beauty year after year. Whether you’re drawn to the fragrance of sweet peas or the towering presence of hollyhocks, your cottage garden will be a place of joy, relaxation, and natural splendor.

Now, grab your spade and start planting—your dream cottage garden awaits!

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Gardener holding wooden seedling tray in vegetable garden.

How to Choose the Right Seeds for Your Garden

Starting a garden begins with a simple yet crucial decision: choosing the right seeds/plants. Whether you’re planning a vegetable garden, a cut-flower bed, or a mix of both, selecting seeds suited to your climate, growing season, and gardening goals will set you up for success.

Understanding Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Seeds

One of the most important factors when selecting seeds is whether they thrive in cool or warm weather. Choosing the right type for the time of year and your region will ensure healthier plants and better harvests. Since we live in Maryland we have our cool season which runs from march to May and then our warm season may- august followed by another cool August to October. This means you can grow multiple crops in small areas!

Cool-Season Seeds

Cool-season plants prefer mild temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. They often grow best when sown in early spring or late summer to fall. Many cool-season vegetables have sweeter flavors when grown in cool weather, and some flowers bloom best in spring or fall.

✔ Best Cool-Season Vegetables:

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula
• Root Crops: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
• Legumes: Peas, fava beans
• Other: Onions, garlic

✔ Best Cool-Season Flowers:

• Pansies & Violas – Cold-hardy and bloom early in spring
• Snapdragons – Thrive in cooler temperatures and can handle frost
• Larkspur – Can be sown in fall for early spring blooms
• Sweet Peas – Prefer cool weather and produce fragrant blooms
• Calendula – Edible flowers that bloom in cool conditions

🌱 When to Plant Cool-Season Seeds:

• Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before your last frost date for early transplanting.
• Direct Sow: As soon as the ground is workable in spring or in late summer for a fall crop.

Warm-Season Seeds

Warm-season plants require consistently warm temperatures to thrive. They are typically planted after the last frost and need plenty of sunlight to produce fruit and flowers. Many warm-season vegetables are heavy feeders, benefiting from rich soil and regular watering.

✔ Best Warm-Season Vegetables:

Father And Son Planting Seedling In Ground On Allotment

• Fruit-Bearing Crops: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
• Vining Vegetables: Cucumbers, squash, melons
• Beans & Corn: Green beans, pole beans, sweet corn
• Root Crops: Sweet potatoes, peanuts

✔ Best Warm-Season Flowers:

• Zinnias – Heat-tolerant and provide continuous blooms
• Sunflowers – Thrive in full sun and attract pollinators
• Marigolds – Help repel pests and bloom all season
• Cosmos – Low-maintenance flowers that love the heat
• Nasturtiums – Edible flowers that deter pests in vegetable gardens

🌞 When to Plant Warm-Season Seeds:

• Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6–10 weeks before your last frost date to get a head start.
• Direct Sow: After the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently warm (typically 60°F+).

How to Choose the Best Seeds for Your Garden

Once you understand the difference between cool-season and warm-season plants, you can narrow down your options based on your garden’s needs.

1. Consider Your Growing Zone & Frost Dates

We are zone 6/7 and our average last frost date is May 1 ( we often recommend May 10 as true safe date) will help you determine which seeds to start early indoors and which can be sown directly outdoors.  Check out this sowing when guide. You can also check seed packets for recommended planting times based on your region.

2. Choose Between Heirloom, Hybrid & Organic Seeds

• Heirloom Seeds – Open-pollinated and saved for generations, offering unique flavors and colors.
• Hybrid Seeds – Bred for disease resistance, higher yields, and uniformity.
• Organic Seeds – Grown without synthetic chemicals, ideal for organic gardening.

Choosing between heirloom and hybrid seeds depends on your gardening goals. Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down for generations, valued for their rich flavors, unique colors, and the ability to save seeds for future planting. They are ideal for gardeners who want to preserve genetic diversity, grow traditional crops, and enjoy produce with superior taste. However, heirlooms can sometimes be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Hybrid seeds, on the other hand, are selectively bred to enhance traits like disease resistance, higher yields, and uniform growth. They are a great choice if you want reliable production, better resistance to environmental stress, or a garden with fewer pest issues. However, hybrid seeds do not produce true-to-type plants if saved and replanted. If you prioritize sustainability and seed saving, heirlooms are the way to go. If you need consistency and resilience, hybrids might be the better option.

3. Decide If You Want Direct Sowing or Transplants

Some seeds, like root crops (carrots, beets, radishes) and beans, prefer to be direct sown in the garden. Others, like tomatoes, peppers, and many flowers, benefit from starting indoors and transplanting later.

4. Factor in Your Garden Space & Growing Time

If you have limited space, choose compact or container-friendly varieties. If your growing season is short, look for fast-maturing plants like bush beans, baby greens, or dwarf sunflowers.

5. Pick Seeds Based on Your Garden Goals

• Want a kitchen garden? Focus on high-yield vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs.
• Looking for pollinator-friendly plants? Include zinnias, cosmos, and native wildflowers.
• Planning a cut-flower garden? Grow long-stemmed flowers like snapdragons, larkspur, and sunflowers.

Final Thoughts: The Right Seeds for a Thriving Garden

Choosing the right seeds is the foundation of a successful garden. By selecting cool-season crops for early spring and fall, and warm-season crops for summer, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of vegetables and flowers throughout the year.

Take the time to read seed packets, consider your climate, and align your choices with your gardening goals. With a little planning, you’ll be on your way to a thriving, productive garden!

💡 Ready to start planting? Browse our selection of vegetable and flower seeds to get growing today!

Our Favorite Flowering Trees: Add a Touch of Romance to Your Garden

Who doesn’t love a tree that blooms? Whether it’s the first sign of spring or the soft fragrance of summer, flowering trees bring a sense of romance to any landscape. At D.R. Snell Nursery, we’re thrilled to help you add a little magic to your garden with our favorite flowering trees. They’ll have you swooning every time you step outside.

Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Classic, charming, and oh-so-beautiful! The Dogwood tree is a must-have for any garden. Its delicate white or pink blooms are the true heralds of spring, and its elegant branches offer year-round beauty. Dogwoods thrive in partial shade and can fit easily into most garden designs. Plant one near a patio or window to enjoy its beauty up close.

Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)
Is there anything more breathtaking than a Magnolia in full bloom? These trees are the epitome of southern charm, with large, fragrant blossoms that stop people in their tracks. Whether you choose a classic Southern Magnolia or a stunning Star Magnolia, this tree will bring elegance and timeless beauty to your garden.

Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)
Channel the beauty of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms with a Flowering Cherry tree. Their soft pink or white blooms in early spring are simply enchanting. These trees do best in full sun and well-drained soil, and their delicate blossoms create a dreamy atmosphere in any garden.

Crabapple (Malus spp.)
Looking for a splash of color and fragrance? Crabapple trees are an excellent choice. With blossoms ranging from white to deep pink, these trees light up your garden in spring, while their small fruit attracts birds throughout the year. Plus, they’re fairly easy to maintain, making them a great choice for both new and seasoned gardeners.

Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)
If you want something truly unique, the Fringe Tree is a conversation starter! This small native tree produces delicate, fringe-like white flowers in spring, which give it a graceful and airy appearance. It’s perfect for a garden that needs a touch of whimsy and charm.

Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)
The Japanese Snowbell is perfect for anyone seeking a delicate and elegant flowering tree. With clusters of bell-shaped white flowers that dangle from the branches in late spring, this tree adds a soft, romantic charm to your garden. Its dark green leaves turn yellow in fall, providing additional seasonal interest. This small-to-medium-sized tree is ideal for intimate garden spaces where you can appreciate its delicate blooms up close.

No matter what style or vibe you’re going for, flowering trees bring color, fragrance, and charm to your garden. At D.R. Snell Nursery, we have a variety of flowering trees in stock and ready to plant. Visit us and let us help you bring a touch of romance to your outdoor space!