Get the colour scheme right

• How to create a cottage-style garden
• Lay the groundwork
• Use ground cover
• Get the colour scheme right
• Choose the right plants
• Where to buy

The traditional cottage garden suits certain colours. You can't go wrong with these three steps.

Step 1: Make sure there's lots of green as this is what gives the look of abundance and natural beauty.

Step 2:  Introduce touches of silver - use stachys to edge the pathway for an excellent contrast to the grass.

Step 3: Add key spots of colour using roses and clematis. Try herbaceous perennials like campulanas, and annuals such as poppies. In general, deep blues, pale pinks and crimson, plum and purple all work well.

Gardening expert's tip

Later in the summer, Japanese anemones in pink or white will give a pretty display for weeks at a time when many flowers are setting seed or turning to autumnal colours.
 

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