In recent years, planting styles have shifted toward a hybrid approach, drawing inspiration from a rich mix of global traditions. The contemporary cottage garden still celebrates the romance, abundance and gentle informality of the classic style, but refreshes it with ideas borrowed from contrasting influences. Below are two of our favourite examples, each offering its own modern interpretation.
Soft Landscaping Fusion
There are two possible ways to go with this style. One, you fuse a Midwest style Prairie with an English Cottage aesthetic (done charmingly well by this US based influencer) Hannah Westby (@hannahslittlecottage) • Instagram photos and videos
Two, you combine Nordic woodlands with the essence of a Cotswolds garden. Have a look at this Instagram influencer for inspiration Ramona (@monalogue) • Instagram photos and videos
At the heart of both these styles is a traditional English Cottage garden but with a twist, bringing a contemporary feel to your garden whilst honouring the timeless charm of a cottage garden.
Prairie Style Cottage
Combine airy ornamental grasses with Hydrangea arborescens ‘Strong Annabelle’ and Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’. Plant copious amounts of Lavender, Star Jasmine (Trachelospernum jasminoides) and climbing Roses (available on request). The result is a garden that feels both wild and deeply romantic. To capture a Prairie style, plant in drifts, that is key. Always in multiples of odd numbers, clusters of threes or fives, more for a more dramatic effect.
Let prairie plants form the framework and cottage plants become the accents. Choose two to three main colours (e.g., purples, peach, whites). Grasses will provide the neutral backdrop and bright cottage colours should be used sparingly as “pops”.
Anemanthele lessoniana (Ornamental Grass) – Pheasant’s tail grass is a fantastic ornamental grass that provides colour, movement and structure. With evergreen foliage which emerges green but becomes striped with yellow, orange, and red with age it’s a super grass for year round interest. Sprays of airy flowerheads appear in late summer. Clump forming it’s easy to divide and multiply, it’s our ‘go-to’ grass of choice!
Grow in full sun to partial shade in well drained fertile soil. Mature Height: 50cm
Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ (Ornamental Grass) – Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ is one of the best evergreen plants for adding colour and interest to the garden during the winter months as it forms a dense, arching mound of eye-catching bright orange-green foliage. With insignificant brown flower spikes appearing in summer and drooping elegantly with age, it retains colour and adds contrast to any planting scheme. Like other Carex, it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and thrives in moist, fertile, well-draining soils. Mature Height: 50cm.
Clematis montana ‘Elizabeth’ – A vigorous grower with pale pink, vanilla scented flowers which contrast against bronze young foliage. Flowering in late spring, the plant will be smothered in flowers, creating a waterfall of flowers when trailing from a tree or support. It will quickly cover walls or pergolas.
Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler (Mexican blossom) – This highly fragrant evergreen shrub is a useful addition to any garden. Mound forming this neat shrub is exceptionally free flowering in spring and often late summer into autumn. Height and Spread 1 metre. Grow in a sunny sheltered aspect on well drained soil.
Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane) – Commonly known as Mexican fleabane or Santa Barbara daisy, is a charming and resilient perennial plant renowned for its delicate beauty. Originating from Mexico, this herbaceous species has spread its appeal globally. Characterized by small, daisy-like flowers with white or pale pink petals and golden-yellow centres, Erigeron karvinskianus forms cascading mounds of blooms, creating a picturesque carpet effect.
Hydrangea arborescens Strong Annabelle – A robust, deciduous shrub known for its large, showy blooms and sturdy structure. It features dense, dark green foliage that provides a lush backdrop for its impressive flowers. In mid to late summer, it produces abundant, round clusters of pure white flowers, which often fade to soft green as they mature. This variety is particularly valued for its strong stems, which resist flopping, ensuring the blooms remain upright. A reliable choice for borders or as a focal point. Height and Spread 2.5m. Grow in moist but well drained soil in partial shade. Strong Annabelle can handle more sun than other types of Hydrangeas making them a good choice for this style of planting.
Geranium Rozanne (‘Gerwat’) – Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a remarkable perennial geranium known for its prolific blooms and easy-going nature. This cultivar boasts large, violet-blue flowers adorned with white centres, creating a striking contrast against deeply lobed, glossy green foliage. The blooms of ‘Rozanne’ are sterile, meaning they do not produce seeds. This characteristic contributes to the plant’s exceptional longevity in bloom, as energy that would otherwise be directed toward seed production is channelled into continuous flower production. Cultivating this geranium is straightforward, as it thrives in well-drained soil and partial to full sun. A hardy plant, ‘Rozanne’ is resilient in various soil types and adapts well to garden borders, containers, or rock gardens.
Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ (Aven) – A vigorous, long-flowering perennial known for its soft, airy habit and abundant apricot-orange blooms. From late spring through to autumn, it produces masses of nodding, semi-double flowers on tall, branching stems that sway gently above mounds of fresh green, slightly lobed foliage. The flowers often fade to softer peach tones, creating a layered, natural colour effect over time. Thrives in sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil and attracts pollinators throughout the season.
Lavender – A Mediterranean evergreen shrub prized for its fragrance, silvery foliage, and long summer flowering season. It thrives in full sun and free‑draining soil, making it one of the most rewarding low‑maintenance plants.
Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ – A hardy perennial known for its upright spires of rich violet-purple flowers held on distinctive dark, almost black stems. Flowering from summer through to autumn, it brings strong vertical interest and bold contrast to borders. The aromatic, grey-green foliage forms neat clumps, making it ideal for structured and contemporary planting schemes. Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, ‘Caradonna’ thrives in full sun or partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. Easy to maintain, it can be cut back after flowering to encourage repeat blooms. Height and Spread 50cm.
Stipa tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’ (Ornamental Grass) – Also known as Mexican feathergrass or ‘Ponytails’ due to its light airy habit, this grass’s thread-like fronds arch elegantly and appear to dance in the wind. A perfect choice for softening a hard landscape, creating movement and interest. It is an extremely versatile plant and thus used in many planting schemes. Perfect for beds, borders and planters this self-seeding grass is an absolute favourite in modern schemes. Grow in full sun to partial shade in moderately fertile soil. Mature Height: 60cm.
Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) – Commonly known as the Star Jasmin or an Evergreen Jasmin, Trachelospermum jasminoides is a vigorous, evergreen, woody climber which can reach between 8-12m in height. With twining stems, glossy dark green, oval leaves, often turning deep bronze-red in winter, it’s a wonderful addition to any sunny garden. Clusters of highly fragrant, small white flowers smother the foliage from mid to late summer. A highly recommended climber for screening in an area where the fragrance can be enjoyed at its most it is an ideal choice for pergolas and trellis around seating arrangements. Great for bees this essential climber works best in hot dry planting schemes. Height 8-12m when trained.
Verbena bonariensis – A tall perennial prized for its slender stems topped with clusters of small, vibrant purple flowers from summer to autumn. The long-blooming flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding life and movement to the garden. Its open, upright habit makes it ideal for adding height and structure to the borders, while allowing lower-growing plants to flourish beneath. Thriving in full sun and moist but well drained soil, its graceful presence creates a relaxed, meadow-like feel in any garden. Height 2.5m Spread 50cm.
Elements to include
- Drift style planting
- Gravel paths with Corten steel edging
- Seating areas under natural fabric shades or Jasmine covered pergola
- Wide, rounded planting borders
Nordic Style Cottage
Across the Nordics, gardens can be a juxtaposition of fragility and robust wildness. Think pastel coloured flowers set against the backdrop of a craggy rock or rugged metal.
Think a cluster of Birch trees with shade loving Digitalis under planted (Foxgloves) or a feature tree such as a multistem Amelanchier lamarckii for delicate seasonal interest. For this style you need the following plant combinations:
Amelanchier lamarckii (June Berry) – Commonly known as Juneberry, is a deciduous shrub, multistem or small tree celebrated for its ornamental value. In spring, it showcases profuse clusters of delicate white flowers, followed by small, edible purple-black berries in early summer. The foliage is characterized by elliptical leaves that are bonze tinged when young and then turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn. With a compact and upright habit, is favoured for providing visual interest throughout the seasons and attracting wildlife with its blossoms and fruits. Height 5-7m. Grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Amelanchier lamarckii thrives in various soils but not chalky conditions.
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii (Birch) – An enchanting deciduous tree celebrated for its stunning aesthetic features. Native to the Himalayas, it showcases a pristine, chalk-white bark that peels in paper-like sheets, creating a striking contrast against its dark, green triangular leaves. With a graceful and upright habit, this birch variety offers a captivating silhouette throughout the seasons. Yellow-brown catkins appear in early spring and in autumn, the foliage transforms into vibrant golden hues. Height 12-17m. Grow in well drained or moist but well drained soils in full sun or partial shade.
Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’ (Eastern Redbud) – The best flowering Cercis in our opinion. A compact and rounded deciduous tree that features a profusion of rosy-pink, pea-like flowers that blanket its branches in early spring, creating a breathtaking floral spectacle. The heart-shaped, glossy green leaves follow, adding a lush canopy. An ideal choice for a small garden. Height 2.5-4m. Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Full sun or partial shade.
Cornus kousa ‘Milky Way’ (Flowering Dogwood) – One of our favourites, this is a real statement/feature tree. Large cream coloured petal-like bracts effectively look like flowers which smoother the tree in June creating an unmistakable display, resulting in strawberry like fruits that appear alongside beautiful autumn colour. Height and spread 4-8 metres. Plant in moist but well drained, sunny/partial shade position.
Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane) – Commonly known as Mexican fleabane or Santa Barbara daisy, is a charming and resilient perennial plant renowned for its delicate beauty. Originating from Mexico, this herbaceous species has spread its appeal globally. Characterized by small, daisy-like flowers with white or pale pink petals and golden-yellow centres, Erigeron karvinskianus forms cascading mounds of blooms, creating a picturesque carpet effect.
Prunus ‘Pandora’ (Flowering Cherry) – Small but mighty this prunus puts on a spectacular show with elegant ascending branches. Pale pink shell-like floral display in the spring and bronzed red foliage turning to mid green and then vibrant shades of reds and oranges in the autumn. Prunus ‘Pandora’ is an excellent choice of small cherry tree for avenue planting, with its regular, ascending shaped crown lending it perfectly to providing uniformity and its multiple ornamental qualities providing year-round interest. As with many other Cherry Blossom trees it grows well in most soils except the extremes and prefers full sun.
Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ (Foxglove) – A compact, early‑flowering foxglove celebrated for its soft, peach‑coloured bells and reliable first‑year bloom. It’s a biennial or short‑lived perennial forming a neat rosette of downy green leaves and sending up upright spires of pendulous, funnel‑shaped flowers with delicate orange‑speckled throats.
Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ (Mock Orange) – A beautiful flowering plant which is a member of the hydrangea family. Known for its large, showy and highly-scented flowers that bloom in the summertime, it’s relatively easy to care for and does not require much maintenance.
In many Nordic gardens there is a tradition of planting a deciduous tree in the middle of the garden as a place of reflection. In Swedish called it’s called a Vårdträd and in Norwegian a Tuntre. It has roots in the worship of the Norse gods. Find out more about our spring flowering trees <click here>
Elements to include
- Woven Willow edging or Hazel hurdles
- Midnight black paint for sheds and summer houses or aged bare wood
- Gravel paths with stock brick edging
- Seating areas under trees for that typical Nordic feel
- Terracotta planters with seasonal interest such as Tulips
- Simple rectangular or circular beds
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