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How To Create A Cottage Style Garden

July 18, 2017

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Create a cottage style garden in no time with a few key elements and lots of flowers.

Check out these easy tips to make your garden dreams a reality.

Butterfly Garden

When we moved into our 1920's beach bungalow over a decade ago, I knew immediately that the yard required a makeover.

The interior was full of lovely quirks and rustic charm and I wanted that feeling to spill right outside into the yard.

I pictured colorful wildflowers, garden gates, bunnies, birds and a storybook view from every window.

A cottage style garden for our cottage style home.

Unfortunately at the time, there was just a lawn and a bunch of overgrown shrubs. 

It was not going to do. 

So when the kitchen addition was done and the construction vehicles moved out, we got to work planning our little cottage garden in suburbia and you know, for two people who are not gardeners, I think it turned out alright. 

Zinnia Bush From Seeds

How To Create A Cottage Style Garden


So how did we transform this boring patch of suburbia into our own little cottage escape? It was actually pretty easy as DIYs go. 

Plan, But Not Too Much


First things first, keep in mind that cottage gardens are free form, ever changing and up for interpretation.

There are no rights or wrongs.

Follow your own instincts, add and subtract as you see fit as your garden grows and evolves.  

I designed and decorated my cottage garden using the exact same process I use when decorating a room.

Start with the larger elements and work your way down to the details, don't worry about fads and trends and add only what you love.

And if something isn't working, by all means move or remove it.

Add Some Solid Structure


Cottage gardens are full of wind and whimsy, but even they require some solid structure ~ like a fence. Ours surrounds the pool and acts as protection and decor.

Oh sure, it's not your typical charming white picket, but it serves its purpose, creating a divider between outdoor living areas and a strong border for beds.

It also adds some visual interest.

Don't have an actual fence in your yard? No problem. Add a section or two for decoration to your own flower beds, if it's worn, chipped and has some old hardware on it, even better. 

How To Create A Cottage Style Garden

Get A Little Wild


Nothing says cottage garden more than a vine climbing over a trellis or an arbor.

If you have the room to let it get a little wild, fabulous.

Of course, here in suburbia, we don't have that luxury so my husband came up with a way to tame our morning glory while still allowing it to cover our garage in a loose and lovely fashion. 

It's small now, but by August, it's will be budding purple and green, a literal wall of flowers. 

Climbing Vine In A Cottage Style Garden

Get Lost


It doesn't need to be very large or long, but every cottage garden needs a walkway or a path.

It adds a little romance to the space, a winding journey through fields of flowers...or a quick step from the patio to the lawn created with a few stones and loose gravel.

Ours is teeny tiny, nothing elaborate, but it's a charming way to move from one garden area to the next. 

Cottage Garden Path

Just Add Water


Whether it be a small fountain, a bird bath or pond, water adds a sense of enchantment to a cottage garden.

The sound of the trickling is soothing and I love the opportunity to house and spot wildlife that comes along with it. 

Our pond is home to fish and frogs, both real and otherwise, and draws birds, turtles and chipmunks who stop by to rest, bathe and drink.

It's my favorite element in the whole yard and it was Kmart special. 

Yup. 

Adding A Fish Pond To Your Cottage Style Garden

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers


Of course, what would a cottage garden be without flowers?

Lots and lots of flowers....layers upon layers of blooms in beds, along pathways, surrounding the pond and in pots.

Start with perennials, hostas, coneflowers, black eyed Susan and daylilies...or whatever is hearty in your zone.

Purple Coneflowers In A Cottage Garden

Then sprinkle in the annuals.

Now I am a cheap girl so I don't buy a lot of annuals.

I also don't love the work of planting them in the garden and weeding around them, so I tend to put them in pots and pepper them around the yard.

In some spots we add zinnia seeds since they're also cheap. Plus, it ensures that I have plenty of flowers for my kitchen table.

I don't match colors or plan our my placement too much, a cottage garden should be a bit chaotic with varied blooms and hues.

It has more of a natural look that way and is much more interesting.

Purple Flowers Annuals

Decorate


Once the beds have been planted, the decorating begins.

Fill up your yard with treasures that appeal to you. Whatever makes you smile. We have spinners and figurines, wooden carving and birdhouses. 

I pick a few unique containers each season and spread them around the patio and pool area. Galvanized tubs, old milk cans, bottles and basic planters mix well.

Cottage style is a gathered look, inside and out and I love gathering. 

Containers In A Cottage Style Garden

That little green frog has been a resident for years, but that chair is a recent acquisition. I found it in the trash last weekend.

It was just sitting on the side of the road next to some garbage bags, waiting to be rescued. 

It was already distressed and red! Can you believe it? I am in love. 

Little Red Garden Chair

I kind of have a thing for frogs. Can you tell? 

Garden Accessories and Decor


Gaze


It's been several years since we completed this project and we love to sit out here, especially now that the patio furniture has been updated, gazing at the flowers, feeding the fish or bird watching.

It's also nice that most of the work is behind us. 

Besides a little deadheading and watering, our cottage garden is pretty self sufficient now, which is awesome, because I do not have a green thumb. 

It doesn't require much tending and the messier it gets the better it looks.

That doesn't work inside. 

But it's ok, since cleaning the kitchen comes with a daily glimpse of well behaved bunnies who pop by to eat clover.

Wildlife In A Cottage Garden

And a storybook garden view.

Mission accomplished. 

Cottage Style Decor


Summer Outdoor Living Blog Hop

Now it's time to hop and check out some awesome outdoor inspiration from my friends. There's everything here from yard tours and decorating tips to DIYs. Plus, you never know, you just might make some new friends of your own.



Kim Signature


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  1. Good tips! I'm smitten with your tiny little path. It is adorable!

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    1. It is so tiny, but I am smitten with it, too! ❤️ Thanks!!

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  2. Very beautiful, Kim! You've inspired me to get busy. I may wait until fall or winter to tackle some of the larger jobs since it's lovely heatstroke weather here!

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    1. Fall is a much better time to work in the garden...I agree, summer is too hot and too short. Enjoy! And thanks!

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    1. Thank you so much...and I really don't. Cottage gardening is just that easy! 😉

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  4. I not only love the look of your cottage garden but I love all the tips you've given for how to have one and what to do. I have a new planting area I'm just getting started this year and learning what does and doesn't work, so I'm taking your tips to heart.
    It has been such fun doing this blog hop with you Kim. I'm looking forward to following along with you and hearing more about your beautiful home.
    Patti

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    1. Patricia, thank you for "hopping" by. I have had fun, too. I am so glad that you found some useful tips here today. That's what it's really all about. I look forward to more visits, as well...both at your home and mine!

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  5. Oh Kim, I love your garden. How beautiful! I really need more zinnias in my yard! My mom loved red like I love blue, so it reminds me of her too! She would have loved it!

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    1. Why thank you, Nancy, you words are too kind! That's so funny, my mom is a blue girl!

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  6. I love it! Your garden is wonderful!

    I adore cottage gardens. I miss my zinnias this year. I wonder if they are biannual? I'm going to get more seeds for next year though, because they are great in a cottage garden, have wonderful colors and I love to cut them and bring them in the house!

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    1. Next to tulips, zinnias are my favorite. The fact that I (well, my husband, really 😉) can grow them from seeds is a huge bonus…but we do have to plant them every year. In my neck of the woods they don’t come back.

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  7. absolutely lovely! now time to cool off in that crystal blue pool. xo

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    1. Come on over, Tammy, the water's just fine!

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  8. Your garden spots look beautiful and your pictures are great. Very nice.

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    1. Thanks, Lorri! I actually enjoy photography way more than gardening. There's no green thumb required!! Ha! 😉

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  9. YOur garden is so pretty! I love a cottage garden and am working on making one here little at a time and bit by bit. I try to add something new each year. I'm loving plants that self seed because it is way less work for me. ;)

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    1. Thank you so much, Debbie! I love plants that seed themselves, too. I am not a gardener, so I can use all the help I can get! Thanks so much for the visit, I hope you have a wonderful afternoon. 🙂

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  10. Kim your garden is gorgeous and I can sit here and stare at it all day long. The bit where I have to add the water is what trips me up. I have no natural instincts at all when it comes to determining just how much. You wouldn't consider popping over for a visit to help my garden along would you?

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    1. Mary, I used to be a watering fiend and I think that is what was killing my plants. Brenda from Cozy Little House was the one who told me less is more and since then, more of them have been staying alive! 😉But a visit to Greece...um yes please!

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  11. You are a girl after my gardening heart! Every plant you shared is always on my list too. Love perennials! Especially the ones that can be planted from seeds. I love the garden to be a little bit chaotic too...it's just more natural that way. :)

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    1. I am a lazy crafter, a lazy decorator and a lazy gardener, Stacey, so perennials are the answer for me! Plus, like you said, they tend to look more natural and I love that look. I can’t wait to see what your gardens look like when all is said and done. I just know they will be gorgeous!

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  12. A pond is one of my favorite garden elements. Your whole garden looks just amazing - I can only imagine how pleasant it is sitting out there :)

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    1. Thank you, Jordan! I absolutely love the pond, too, it's my favorite part of the whole yard.

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  13. Kim,
    Your Cottage Garden is exquisite ! Amazing! Your photography is impressive as well! I love your green ceramic frog! I have one just like him! So fun doing this blog hop with you!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jeannee! That frog just makes me smile. Great minds, I suppose...thanks for popping by it's been fun hopping with you, too!

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  14. What a pretty view from your window! I sure miss the pond I had in Texas. I love all your flowers. I didn't plant zinnias this year. For some reason the seeds won't come up for me.
    Brenda

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    1. Thanks Brenda! It's a much better view now than it is the rest of the year...snow, ice and an ugly pool cover greet me then. Now you know why I love summer so much. 😉

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  15. Kim, I love your cottage garden. You have the same exact flowers that get dreamed about around here but never get planted. I am really not a gardener. I tend to plant then expect them to take care of themselves. If they don't come back on their own, they usually don't come back. I may have planted a few pots that will probably just last through the summer(high hopes) and that's about it. My little frog prince would be enamoured(sp?) by your big green guy. Everything is so pretty and I am envious of the gorgeous bouquets that you can bring in the house..Happy Tuesday..xxoJudy

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    1. Judy, thank you for all of your super kind words. I have to tell you, I'm not really a gardener either. I looks for plants that will come back every year on their own and don't require a lot of care. If they are dependent on me, they're doomed! Ha! And bring your frog over to meet my frog anytime. You can take some bouquets home with you! ❤️

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  16. I love your cottage garden and tips. I have been thinking about adding a pond to mine, but they do take a lot of maintenance. I know the critters I get would love it tho!

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    1. Thanks Christine! I have to say this pond has been pretty maintenance free...but it's small. I can see how a larger pond would require a lot more work...and may also entice a lot larger group of critters. Yikes!

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  17. Your cottage garden is wonderful! Coneflowers are my favorite, I have bunches of them in our front flower bed! I totally agree about planting without worrying about the colors...it is all the beauty of nature so it will work together no matter what! And your little red bench...fabulous!!

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    1. I love the organized chaos of cottage style, Susanne, both inside and out, lots of colors meshed together. Especially that red!! And thanks!

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  18. Whimsy and very cottage garden pretty. Love it all. With us not living in the house just yet I have found out too sometimes less can be so much more when you are looking for a cottage garden. Plus you are not a slave to your garden. Great tips.
    Happy Tuesday.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. That's the best part, Kris, the less work. I am not worried about trimming and edging and weeding. Most of the flowers just pop up on their own each year. I love that! Hugs to you, my friend!

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  19. Hi Kim, Love your cottage garden. It's so charming and I love the path that leads away. I love frogs and bunnies too. Your flowers are beautiful. We are having a bit of a garden challenge now with the temps so hot everyday and nearing 100 degrees. The pool is surly getting a work out along with the water meter!! Enjoy your beautiful outdoor cottage garden and thanks for the inspiration. xo

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    1. Thanks, Celestina Marie! Today was in the 90s and it was hard to be outside in my pretty garden. I sprinted past the flowers to hit the pool. I can't even imagine gardening in 100 degree weather. Now that is hot!!

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  20. Love your garden and your tips! The picture of the path with the flowers on either side is just so classic cottage....love it. My garden is all that you have described so I guess I have a cottage garden too! My only work is to water when it is too hot. The birds add to my flowers every year and I just leave the plants where they land. I have lots of frogs in my garden too.

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    1. Thanks AnnMarie! From what I have seen, you definitely have a cottage garden…and a lovely one at that!

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  21. Having a cottage garden myself I agree with all your guidelines...In my cottage garden I also like to bring a sense of whimsy to my garden..not to much...just a touch..My favorite is a 5' knight...he watches over everything. He's a very good guard.

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    1. A 5' knight?? Now THAT is straight out of a storybook!! Or a romance novel! 😉Love it!!

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  22. Cottage gardens are by far my favorite. I've never been a huge fan of overly structured anything, but especially gardens. Way too much maintenance, and like you, I'm a VERY lazy gardener. Perennials, while expensive initially, give back year after year. I just wish someone could invent perennials that are as prolific as impatiens ;).

    xxx

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    1. Ah, impatients, they used to be my favorite annuals. Then about two or three years ago they got some kind of ick and they were no longer available in my area. So we turned to million bells and petunias. As for those pricey perennials, I was cheap. Big surprise, right? 😉 We started with one or two hostas from my mom’s home, a coneflower plant from a former student and a few half off black eyed Susans and daylilies and just split, split, split. It was the slow way for sure.

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  23. Your flowers are so pretty. And you're so lucky to have not only a pond, but a beautiful pool to jump into, too!

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    1. I campaigned long and hard for that pool, Melanie, but honestly it was the best investment we have ever made. Come on over! 😊

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  24. Ah, that view is the best thing of all! It's what Tara Dillard calls a "vanishing threshold." I love your cottage garden and think you both have done an amazing job of creating a little paradise outside. I hope you post another picture when that morning glory blooms!

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    1. Dewena thank you for your lovely words. They truly made me smile…and thank you for the Tara Dillard reference. I looked her up and now I am hooked! I have been looking through her blog all morning. Dreamy…

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    2. I predict that you will be spending many an hour in future days reading posts from the unique Tara Dillard!

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    3. I believe you are right! I have her bookmarked and I can't wait to dig in! Thanks again!

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  25. Zinnias have been one of the few flowers that I've been successful directly sowing in the garden. My favorite is a pink variety which I'm not recalling at the moment. They are fabulous for cutting, too. I LOVE the little red bench that was waiting for you to bring home. And it will always share that sweet story with you too. I loved the garden tour and all your wonderful and practical tips, Kim!! Everything is absolutely beautiful!

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    1. Diane, thank you for your super sweet comments. I am smitten with that bench for sure. I had seen one in a store for a hefty price and passed. Just a little while later this one was waving to me from the side of the road. Cutest little thing!

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  26. I have always loved a cottage garden, and aspire to it, but ours is already looking a bit burned due to the heat. It's OK, there's still lots about it to enjoy. Love yours Kim! Wish I could come visit & have a tour.

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    1. It's been pretty cool here, Florence, July is just starting to heat up, so...so far, so good. Of course, when August comes around that could be a different story!

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  27. Great post. Kim! I appreciate your advice as we have been working on our 'Cottage Garden' for a long time. Knowing it would spread as time went on, we have been a little deliberate about how much we plant. Yet it is filling in and I recently added some new plants. We have a stone walkway like yours...I'd love to do some pea gravel but I can imagine my husband freaking out over it spilling into the lawn. This is one area we have worked on together...I do the pots and decorating. I feel the same way about annuals. I wish I had planted perennials thirty years ago...I'm still fussing with them now.

    Thank you! Your yard is lovely and how I envy that pool. ;-D

    Jane x

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    1. You know Jane, I was a reluctant perennial planter, too. The first few years I had annuals everywhere, because I wanted all summer long blooms. At my husband’s urging (he was my yearly planter) we added the perennials in layers and now my garden does bloom all year long. Ah, live and learn, right? And the pool is lovely, thank you, but nothing beats lake front!! Beautiful! Enjoy that view!

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  28. I love all the flowers in your yard Kim, they are so beautiful. I really love that cute pathway with the pea gravel, it makes me what to take a short stroll. Just lovely, maybe you can come plant my garden :)

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    1. Thank you, Toni! It's a super short stroll, but charming, for sure. And I would love to visit your garden, I'm great with gravel. Plants? Um... 😉

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  29. Are perennials not the greatest? My front garden is nothing but and it looks better every year! Like you, I'm a "free form" gardener. One of the best parts is the low maintenance, as you said. I believe that's why we enjoy them so much!

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    1. Perennials are the greatest! They come back every year and I split them whenever I can. Now I need to find a friend with daisies so I can add some of them to the garden! Thanks for the visit today! 🙂

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  30. Hello Kim, I love your beautiful yard and garden. I can see how much work you have done and I too love the pretty frogs and that red bench looks great. I know you all enjoy it a lot.
    Have a nice week.
    Julie

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    1. Thanks so much, Julie. I was actually at a garden shop a few weeks ago and saw a little chair for $50 and said, no way. So when I spotted the bench on the side of the road, I turned right around. Enjoy the sun and thanks for the visit! ❤️

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  31. Such a pretty garden Kim! So glad that it is bringing you such joy and inspiration! Frogs are the best and we have many that sing to us every night:)
    Happy Gardening!
    Jemma

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    1. Singing frogs sound delightful, Jemma. We once had a very vocal bullfrog in our pond and as the sun was setting each evening he would croak loudly. My husband used to joke that he was calling me…Kim…Kim…Kim. Funny guy. 😉

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  32. This is so lovely!! I wish I had this post to look at before I planned my garden!! it was fun to do this blog hop with you too!

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    1. Thank you so much, Kellie! I think you garden looks lovely as is!! Thanks for the visit and happy hopping!!

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  33. Great tips and I love your cottage garden. It's beautiful!

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    1. Thanks so much, Kristi!! It's a pretty place to sit in the summer.

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  34. Oh Kim! I love your cottage gardening, and I enjoyed hearing how you and your husband planned it so that it is self sufficient, and gorgeous! You are right that everything needs a balance, and a fence really helps pull it together. I love your little pond too, my husband and I have talked of adding one ourselves too. Always a delight to see your ideas and gather some ideas for our own little happy space :)

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    1. I love the pond, Marilyn. It's a great opportunity for us to have a little wildlife in our midst. You, of course, have tons of that already, but I say if you want a pond, add one. The music of the water alone is so worth it!

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  35. Lovely Kim, it is beautiful. A perfect garden. I like the pond. I plan to put one in here at our home too. Do you have a pump with your pond? There are so many options. I went to a workshop regarding building a pond. It was fun, because you can have a simple pond that does not require a pump, that is what I will need to do.
    Carla

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    1. "A perfect garden"...high praise from the master gardener. You just made my day! ❤️We do have a pond, actually, it's a tiny one though, no filter, and it's used mainly to make that frog spit! Ha!

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  36. Kim, I love your cottage garden...everything about it says welcome and warmth! I am visiting via Rattlebridge Farm. I have a garden link party this coming Monday, July 24, 8 am central time.. it is my 4th Gardens Galore! I would be honored if you would link this post and any other garden post old or new!

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    1. Hi Pam! Thanks so much for the invite. I just linked up with your very pretty party.

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  37. Beautiful garden and great post! We are on the verdge of redoing ours, so this was very helpful! I especially love the little paver walkway you created. Very charming.

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    1. Thank you, Molly! That walkway is one of my favorite elements, too. Thanks for the visit and I am so glad you found the post helpful. I hope you'll visit again. 🙂

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  38. Kim, your garden is lovely and your frogs are cute! I like the pavers you put down between garden areas ~ they are a nice transition. Everything about your yard is so inviting and I agree, an English garden is so pretty with plants reseeding themselves. Every year is different than the last.

    Lovely, just lovely,
    Barb :)

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    1. Absolutely different every year and I love that, Barbara! Thanks so much for hopping over. I hope you'll visit again.

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  39. I love that you have chipmunks visiting your pond....that is sweet and your flowers are beautiful!

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    1. One fell in the other day, Ronda and it was hysterical. He got his bottom wet and then scooted out and scurried across the bricks by the pool, leaving teeny tiny wet prints along the way. It happened right in front of my kids and we all laughed for a good long time. It reminded me of a kids' cartoon or book. Funny!

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  40. So many lovely, whimsical things to look at, Kim. This is just the sort of cheerful garden I like. Why don't I come over? You'll make ice tea, I'll bring cake, and we could visit.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Sounds like a perfect plan, Amalia! I would love that. 🙂

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  41. Great suggestions, love the little bunnies at the bottom of the trellis!

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    1. Thanks so much, Carol. I love those little bunnies, too!

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  42. The garden looks beautiful, very colorful and definitely a relaxed place! I love zinneas and yours looks great. We have had a drought in ND so we have to water the plants a bit more often.

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    1. It's been pretty hot here too lately, Angela. I really have to water or things get droopy and brown in a day. Yikes. Thanks so much for the sweet words! Happy Summer!

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  43. Love your flowers and cottage style
    and also a bunny or two . . .
    Looks wonderful Kim . . .

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    1. Thanks so much, Lynne! I like those bunnies, too...

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  44. Your cottage garden is fabulous (as is your tutorial)! We would love it if you'd join us over at our Vintage Charm Party here: http://bit.ly/2vninDP
    xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home

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    1. I will try to pop by, thanks for asking!!

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  45. Such a pretty garden, I loved looking at all of your photographs.
    Great tips too.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thanks so much, Jan! I hope you are having a lovely summer.

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  46. I totally think "cottage garden" when I see your garden, so mission accomplished! :) Love all your little additions and I'm totally crushing on the fact that you have real bunnies visit! I have three fake ones named Jett, Cal and Jim...(James Dean fan here ~ lol) but real ones would be divine!

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    1. I have a few fake ones, too, Lisa. They let me get much closer than the real fluffy friends…who I just call “Baby”. All of them. I can’t tell who’s who, so I figure that’s safe. And ps I love how you name all of your friends. And some of mine, too!! 😉

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  47. What a great post. I love your garden!

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  48. Having another look Kim...your flowers are gorgeous...how can you say you don't have a green thumb??? Love that garden path and inviting bench too. It even looks too nice for mosquitoes! Tell me you don't have any up there, do ya?

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    1. Florence you are so kind to come back for another peek!! My husband is the one with the green thumb. I used to have one, but I guess I lost my touch. I am trying hard to get it back and remembering to water is key! I need a big note...

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  49. Your cottage garden is perfect Kim and you hit the nail on the head as to what features make up a cottage garden. When we bought this home it was nothing but weeds and I knew I wanted a cottage garden. Like you said, it is ever changing and that's one thing I love about it! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Your garden is perfect, Jann, so I consider it a great compliment that you like my garden. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy partying!

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  50. Kim your cottage garden is so beautiful! You have captured your sweet flowers perfectly!! Just stunning! You sure DO have a green thumb!!

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    1. Thanks Sam! I wish I could take credit but the secret to this garden is choosing plants that do well on their own...and having a husband with an emerald thumb! Thanks for the visit today!

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  51. Kim, thanks so much for sharing at Gardens Galore!

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  52. Your garden looks great, Kim. Zinnias are my go to annual flower. 98% of my garden is perennials, but my garden beds need the all-season vibrant color that zinnias add. We're having an extremely hot summer and even with the blazing sun and 90 - 100 degree heat the zinnias are thriving. As long as I keep them watered, they're fine. That red chair is the bomb! Can't believe you scored it for free. Good job! Hugs.

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    1. For free, Nancy! I love it, it's super sweet in person and makes me smile whenever I catch a glimpse. And yes, perennials are the greatest. I am not great with water and we have a full sun yard, so they thrive. Thank goodness! Hugs!

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  53. you have such a lovely garden! I really need to spruce up my space and like you, i don't like buying annuals. thanks for sharing your garden with us!

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    1. Thank you so much, Yuni! Yes, those annuals are so pretty, but I hate spending the dough...thanks for the visit!

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  54. I love your garden!!! Oh my goodness, this is packed with great ideas and I especially love your zinnia bush. Any hints to getting one to get as big as yours?

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    1. It's all from seeds, Janine! We just planted varying heights and they grow into one big ball of flowers. Hope that helps!

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  55. I love that pond! And the large milk can planter. Wow, your garden is so beautiful. Love all of the elements you used to put it all together!

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    1. Thanks so much! You just made my day! The pond is my favorite, too...

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  56. Your garden is so lovely! I loved all of your suggestions!

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    1. Thank you so much, Carrie! You just made me smile.

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  57. Just great idea. I have plan to create a cottage style garden but never found my needy info but now I'm totally know how to create cottage style garden. Many many thanks for write an awesome information.

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    1. Thanks Steven! So glad that you found some useful information today. Good luck with your garden!

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  58. Hi Sweet Kim! I'm happy to see the return of this fabulous post. :)

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  59. Good advice and tips, Kim. Love a pretty cottage garden!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! I can't wait for everything to bloom again!

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  60. Very beautiful Kim! I have always strived for a cottage garden. I love to just let my perennials seed and spread aimlessly about. A bit wild and fun little areas tucked in here and there. :) I will be planting my Zinnia seeds next week. Thanks for sharing with the Garden Party.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks for the opportunity to share, Jann! It was fun to peek at this post again, since at the moment my garden is still sleeping!

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  61. Lots of good thoughts and tips! I plan to put in some zinnias this year- love how colorful they are! Thank you for joining the Garden Party!

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    1. Thanks so much for the visit, Liz! And zinnias are my favorite.

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  62. Lots of great ideas here - thank you! I especially studied the planting around your path and will look for some similar plants here.

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    1. Thanks for the visit! I love that little pathway. I have daylilies, hostas and coneflowers there...

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  63. I was getting very confused here, wondering how your gardens were so far ahead of mine....then I saw the date at the top of the post!! Love your home, love your gardens - just perfect, my friend!

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    1. Thanks Debbie…and yup, older post. My gardens are still asleep!! 😉

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  64. You create beauty inside and out . . .
    Lovely Kim!

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    1. Thank you, Lynne. I’m humbled by your kind words. ☺️

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