Thanks to the extraordinary color photos and gardening wisdom in this book, the elegant intimacy of the English cottage garden is a practical possibility for amateur gardeners in diverse regions of the United States.

Thanks to the extraordinary photographs and gardening wisdom in this book, the elegant intimacy of the English cottage garden look is now, at last, a practical possibility for amateur gardeners in diverse regions of the United States. More than 200 spectacular color photographs render the look and atmosphere of these gardens.

“An inspirational book, with encouraging words and down-to-earth advice for achieving a year-round beautiful garden.” —Michael Marriott, chief rosarian at David Austin Roses In this practical and inspirational guide, Greg Loades presents a new style of planting: a fusion between classic cottage style and the new perennial movement. Using real gardens as examples, The Modern Cottage Garden teaches gardeners how to combine the best of both styles—big, colorful blooms and striking grasses and native plants—into one beautiful space that requires little maintenance and has a long season of interest. Fresh planting ideas for containers, small gardens, and diverse climates present an exciting style that can shine anywhere.

From scented borders and flowery bowers to rambling paths and secret nooks, this is an inspirational guide to a universally loved garden style. It includes a history of the cottage garden, an introduction to the essential features of the style and a guide to applying them in your own garden.

The instantly recognizable English cottage garden encapsulates that delightful mix of scented climbers, drifts of flowers inter-mingled with herbs and vegetables, fruit trees and traditional features. Much loved and copied throughout the world, it is uniquely individual. With no strict rules to adhere to, it is a garden style that is both informal and functional, celebrating fragrance, flowers and seasonal interest at its heart. The old cottage style of gardening, that blended planting to create a flowery yet productive plot within a small space, is still highly relevant and easily transferable to today's modern garden, whether it be a city courtyard or a large garden in the country. Appropriate for gardeners of every level of ability, The English Cottage Garden covers all aspects of designing a cottage-style garden; from choosing the right trees, climbers, shrubs and perennials to creating an authentic cottage feel to the planting It also covers the use of colour within the garden; how features can establish a framework and create focal points; and why companion planting is essential to this style. Illustrated throughout with a wealth of photographs showing gardens, planting combinations, colourful border schemes and individual flowers, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in the quintessential cottage garden.

Synopsis coming soon.......

"Intriguing... it is nice to read a book that focuses on problems specific to the area, including the drawbacks (and benefits!) of heavy clay, and the difficulties of drying vegetables outdoors in Ohio's humid climate". -- Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association News