DOLCE FAR NIENTE...............
This is an Italian saying which translates as "How sweet to do nothing", which also is a great slogan for this summer! This week I wanted to talk about cottage gardens which when planted properly can allow you a summer of 'Dolce far niente'.
Many of our Gemmell's gardeners are cottagers while many others live on farms or large properties in the country or small children where they may not want to spend precious time tending to a complicated garden. The true secret to a successful cottage garden is in choosing plants that combine easy maintenance with drought resistance and are native to the landscape. Some important factors to consider are;
Go Natural! Choosing plants that are native or at least have a wildflower look is a great start. Cottage Gardens are not about formal, annual plantings but rather masses of informal natural perennial plantings. Think about including plants that attract birds and butterflies as well.
Try More of Less! Larger numbers of fewer varieties makes a more of a statement than buying one of everything you see at the nursery. Close planting of larger groups of flowers also helps crowd out weeds freeing up more of your hammock time. New gardens should consider mulch to aid is water retention as well as a great natural looking weed barrier.
Aim for Self Sufficient! Many cottage gardens can go weeks without water or tending. Try to choose plants that are drought tolerant, self-supporting, and less fussy. These soldiers of the garden go a long way in freeing up time spent in the garden. Also, avoid working against nature, for example; planting sun loving plants in shade or vice verse.
SUN LOVERSDrought-proof and low maintenance here are some great choices for sunny cottage gardens. Here are some of our favourites;
Yarrow Achillea
Growing 60 cm tall and wide, it looks like a silver leafed fern with pretty lemon yellow, soft pink, or bright red flat topped flower heads throughout June & July. Attracts butterflies. Grows 24" tall.
Daylilies Hemerocallis
Always dependable and colourful, these perennials come in a vast array of colour choices and sizes. They grow well in full sun to light shade and are extremely drought tolerant. Grass-like clumps of leaves add natural interest all summer long.
MADE IN THE SHADE
Planted beneath tree canopies or along the north side of barns or buildings, these perennials are great cottage garden choices.
Lady's Mantle Alchemilla mollis
A tough perennial with big billowy clumps of pleated leaves that catch the early morning dew and frothy chartreuse coloured flowers in mid summer.
Grows approximately 50cm tall and 60 cm wide.
Bellflower Campanula persicifolia
This peach leaf bellflower sends up metre-high wands of white or blue bells. Makes a very pretty display when allowed to naturalize. Excellent in part shade.
Foxglove Digitalis
This old fashion flower with bold 45cm - 120cm tall spikes of blooms add colour and interest to the part shade border. Available in white, yellow, rose and lavender it is an essential cottage garden perennial
Nothing is more stunning than a huge sweep of these tall strong purple cone flowers in full flower. They look great planted along side yellows and oranges. Try them with Black Eyed Susans. Grows 24-36" tall
Upright plant that bears lose heads of fragrant flowers from June to July. Beautiful as cut flowers. Grows 24-36" tall
Excellent cottage flower, blooming bright yellow sunflower like blooms on tall 1.5 m stalks. Blooms later in the summer.
Ornamental grass that features gently arching blue-grey foliage that turns gold to red in the fall. Cool complement to vibrant colours. Tolerant of drought and poor soil. Grows 36" tall.
plastic pots to us 
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