It will be easy to adapt within a clearing in woods or in a mature backyard planting with at least one established, woody backdrop. All the plants suggested for this garden are suitable for planting in a shady site, but, most prefer dappled or filtered understory shade rather than deep, dense shade. Ideally, this garden will be made beneath an established, high-limbed tree canopy that provides light, broken shade and allows excellent air circulation. The results will transform a woodsy area into a shady retreat where natives mingle with allies from all over the world. This charming garden design is full of vivid cottage flowers from spring through autumn, with a sturdy handful carrying on all winter long in the temperate regions of the Northwest.
Many plants here have fragrant flowers, and aromatic foliage abounds.
The garden is designed so that a stroller who trails a hand along the border will awaken a sequence of scents that linger on the air. Many of the key plants are woody shrubs that need little or no annual pruning. This cottage garden plan is suitable for any open site that is all or mostly sunny. The design will be easy to adapt in any relatively empty yard area, but works especially well as an entryway. The plant list includes many of the familiar cottage garden favorites, but we inspire to combine these plants with others that will provide a welcome to all who visit, in every season.