Although each garden has a unique style, most have elements in common. Thoughtfully placed brick, stone or grass paths can help organize and divide space and establish very different frameworks for exuberant displays of perennials, shrubs and roses. Edgings that soften boundaries and sprawl onto paths are the third important group of plants, Hensel writes.
Favorites are catmint, lady's mantle, red valerian, coralbells, pinks, lavender and lamb's ears.
Cottage gardening is so easy just about anyone can do it, Hensel says. The book also includes a hefty index of cottage plants with cultural information and suggestions for how to use them in the garden. Unlike many books on English gardens, almost all the plants are hardy enough to thrive in our Twin Cities' frigid Zone 4 climate.