Gardeners urged to make 'wild' change to gardens for important reason

While many gardeners prize a well-maintained lawn above all else, conservationists are urging people to leave their mowers in the shed and scatter wildflower seeds. That means Britain’s 15 million gardens, many of them with lawns, could become an increasingly important habitat for pollinators in search of food, the plant charity said.

Unlike highly manicured spaces, cottagecore gardens burst with colour and variety, inviting whimsy, beauty, and essential pollinators (like bees and butterflies) to your property. Cottagecore, as the latest gardening trend is called, pays homage to the English countryside, creating an informal, natural "cottagey" garden feel of old. And the cottagecore trend is huge according to a recent report by the Royal Horticultural Society. The RHS says: "The immaculate, striped lawn has given way as gardeners come to accept the inevitable wear and tear and turn a blind eye to a bit of browning in summer. 

"Some will seek out interesting and environmentally benign alternatives such as small leaved clovers which, usually mixed with grasses, will stay green without fertiliser and resist drought."

Wildflower-studded lawns are an increasingly important source of nectar for pollinators, wildlife charity Plantlife said.

Nearly 7.5 million acres of meadows and pastures rich in wildflowers have been lost since the 1930s, removing a vital source of food for UK insects, many of which are now in decline.

This is a major issue, as one acre of wildflower meadow on a single day in summer can contain three million flowers, producing 1kg of nectar – enough to support nearly 96,000 honeybees per day, according to Plantlife.

In a cottagecore garden plants are generally smaller, with hued local flora intermingling with edibles, creating a textured, moving space which is great for biodiversity. 

Bonnie Grant in Gardeningknowhow.com says: "A cottagecore garden is simply one where various plants, fruits, vegetables, and especially flowers reside. It is not a manicured space, but instead relies upon its variety and bounty to lend whimsy to the garden. Cottagecore plants are generally smaller and feature local flora paired with edible crops."

The main things to focus on while mapping out your cottagecore garden are grouping, focal points, texture, color, and sightline. Choose plants and décor that provide a peaceful energy, lush colors, and a gentle flow. Also, consider how large your plants will get when they become fully mature (height and spread).

While large trees aren’t often found in cottagecore gardens, smaller ones or dwarf varieties can add a vertical focal point. Vines climbing walls or draped over fences or trellises draped in wisteria or grapes add movement and lushness. Plants are generally grouped closed together so that when mature it paints a sea of color, texture, and movement. When grouping plants, be sure to consider size, as well as soil and lighting needs. 

Common cottagecore plants include (but are not limited to) wildflowers (the bees will thank you), lupine, sweetpea vine, roses (the climber and rambler varieties rather than ones laid out in neat patterns, lavender, hollyhock, foxglove, poppy, peony, delphiniums, buddleia and lily.

Consider adding a herb or tea garden. Lemon verbena or balm, chamomile, or lavender are great options for brewing tea, while other herbs such as rosemary, thyme, mint, sage, and chives are ideal for adding into dishes. Other edible plants, such as raspberries and blueberries are great additions to your garden.

Cottagecore gardens often include winding pathways and covered private patio spaces with natural features. When choosing paving options, an unpolished, natural option will create warmth and texture. Limestone, granite, and sandstone offer unique textures and rustic vibes. Walling off your garden with an attractive fence or stone wall will also create intimacy and cosiness.