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How to create a cottage garden

A small statue in a curved garden bed with new plants

Overview

Create your dream cottage garden full of flowers and colour. We’ll help you to consider different colour schemes, plant types, layering and special features. You will also learn the key to success is choosing the right plants to suit your soil. 

Steps

1Plan before you plant your garden

Before you get your shovel out, it's important to plan what you are going to put in your garden first. Try sketching out a plan of everything you will include in it. Decide where things such as statues, water features or even a garden gnome or two will go. And make sure you consider where paths will go through the garden. The most important tip is to plant for your soil rather than changing the soil to suit your plants. Find out your soil's pH level and whether you have sandy or clay soil, and then choose plants to suit.

A small statue in a curved garden bed with new plants

2Choose your plants for the right look

For a free flowing garden full of flowers and bright colours, consider using the colour wheel to choose plants. Pastels compliment each other well.  For something contrasting and bright, choose colours at opposite ends of the colour wheel like purple and yellow. Include evergreen plants that will provide you with foliage all year round. Layer the garden placing the tall plants at the back and layering down towards the front. To encourage bird life in your garden, try installing a birdbath or feeder.
A woman watering a garden bed with standard roses and a bird bath

3Need some more help?

Check out our planting guides for these classic cottage garden plants:

 
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.