The Garden Edit: 5 Beautiful Country Garden Style Ideas

With summer in full swing, it’s no surprise that our home design focus is shifting somewhat from inside the home to outdoors. And if you’re on the hunt for some garden style inspiration, we have you covered.

Our Garden Edit series is brimming with beautiful ideas to transform your outdoor areas into your dream garden.

In the first instalment of our Garden Edit series, we’re digging deep to bring you a veritable feast of country-style garden ideas designed to deliver that cottage garden vibe, wherever you live in the UK.

Romantic and whimsical, country cottage garden ideas often look effortless. But behind the informal appearance lies a considered design that celebrates natural beauty. 

To help you master the basics, here are a few cottage garden ideas you can easily implement in your own home.

Plant country garden plants

You don’t need a picture-perfect thatched cottage to give your garden a rural makeover – you just need the right types of plants.

Some country garden planting favourites include honeysuckle, wisteria, clematis, rhododendrons and roses.

Not only do these staples give a beautiful visual display, but they also omit gorgeous aromas that will trick your mind into thinking you’re in the middle of the Cotswolds (assuming you’re not, of course!).

For climbing plants like honeysuckle, wisteria and clematis, find a nice corner or fence they can call home and watch them blossom bigger and more beautifully each year. They’ll need some regular pruning though to promote healthy new growth and ensure they don’t get out of control. To make sure you have the best blooms on the block, be sure to check their specific growing conditions.

For shrub plants like rhododendrons and butterfly bushes (buddleja), find a sunny or partially shaded spot. With the right positioning and soil, you can enjoy stunning blooms that attract butterflies, bees and other wildlife into your country-style retreat.

No cottage garden is complete without some English roses, either. With so many varieties available, you can find the perfect colour, scent and type to cultivate a gorgeous rose garden of your own.

Add a garden path

For a bonafide cottage-style garden, you need a garden path which should ideally wind its way through your outdoor area.

In large gardens, a winding path is easier to pull off and can be a great way to break up the space – taking you on a journey through your garden.

It’s a little trickier in small gardens, but not impossible. The key here is to use your garden path as the central anchor for the whole design and avoid using a straight, uniform path.

Keeping things curvy will nicely carve up the modest space, providing distinct areas of exploration for planting and more.

Whether you opt for a gravel path or some stone-effect outdoor tiles (for a low-maintenance option that still delivers on rustic charm), a winding garden path is a must-have when it comes to cottage garden design ideas.

Go big with borders

Another signature look of authentic cottage gardens is a deep border bed. Brimming with various flowers and shrubs, these borders line garden paths and walls – adding to the informal character of the overall finish.

To master this look, it’s important to opt for plants that are typically found in country gardens. Ideas include a mix of tall, medium and low-lying species that will give your borders added depth, colour and variety.

For taller variants, lupins, delphiniums, hollyhocks and foxgloves will work to bring some height to your borders. It goes without saying that these are best positioned towards the back or centre of beds to ensure they don’t overshadow the smaller ones. 

Bulk out the remaining border space with a medley of mid and low-lying florals. Peonies, hardy geraniums and phlox are trusty options for the middle ground, while forget-me-nots, bellflower (Campanula) and pansies give excellent ground coverage and myriad colours for the front of those chunky borders.

Don’t forget to include some fragrant herbs you and your local wildlife can enjoy, too. Lavender, rosemary, thyme and mint are perfect for mixing into your borders, creating a wonderful bouquet of fragrance as you pass by.

Create comfy seating spaces

When it comes to cottage garden ideas, it’s easy to put the focus solely on the planting and landscaping – but you need the ideal space to sit back, relax and admire the beautiful space you’ve created.

From cosy nooks at the end of the garden to practical dining areas, always allow space and budget for creating comfy seating areas.

In small gardens, a multi-functional patio area can work wonders in delivering a rustic-inspired relaxation zone for sunbathing, entertaining and more. As a minimum, make sure you have a sturdy floor covering and some compact seating that’s easy to move around as needed.

If you’re looking for budget cottage garden ideas, simply work with what you already have. Cleaning and regrouting existing outdoor tiles or paving slabs will give them an instant revamp, while a fresh lick of paint or varnish on garden benches and dining sets will restore their beauty.

In larger gardens, you may have the option to create multiple seating areas beyond a cottage patio. This could take the form of an old-fashioned gazebo that offers welcome shade and a change of scenery on sunny days. Or perhaps you can create a secret reading corner with a few strategically placed trellises and vine plants.

Opt for natural materials

Whether it’s decorative finishing touches or hardscaping elements, where possible, keep your material choices in your garden natural.

For instance, keep borders looking neat and tidy by repurposing old bricks or stones along the edges, giving your garden an organic, rustic vibe at every turn. Alternatively, go for a classic look with old railway sleepers or wooden beams to line your flower beds.

For decorative items like furniture and garden ornaments, stick with wood, stone, wicker and other organic materials. The finished look will deliver a far more authentic-looking country garden that feels welcoming and inspiring. 

If you’re itching to start bringing your country garden ideas to life, what better place to start than by looking at rustic outdoor tiles for paths and patios? With a huge choice of stone and stone-look options in various earthy shades, you’re sure to find just the right option for your dream cottage garden.

If you need more inspiration, keep reading our interior design blog where you’ll find countless articles packed with practical home design tips, tricks and inspiration.