Cottage gardens historically were essentially functional places, whose main purpose was to provide food. Straight paths, rows of fruit and vegetables, and herbs were particularly chosen to provide food for the bees in the cottage garden beehive. However, the Victorian pictures many of us call to mind when we think of cottage gardens are romantic representations with glorious summer colour and an abundance of harmonious growth.

The style translates well to modern times, and is a relatively low budget option. Many of the plants are grown from seed, and self-seeding ensures a succession of colour from year to year. However, it takes considerably more maintenance than other styles. If nature is simply allowed to take its course, once the initial planting has been done, you will have a jungle in a couple of years.

Traditional cottage gardens didn’t have lawns — the space would have been used for something more productive. If grass is essential, it can be included under fruit trees, providing a 3 feet radius from its trunk only has spring/autumn bulbs in it (otherwise the grass takes all the nutrients and any rain, leaving the tree struggling). Sitting areas and patios need careful integration and materials should be local and not too contrived.

As most of the plants will be herbaceous the only interest in autumn or winter is likely to come from hardy evergreen herbs and bare fruit trees, so if you want something to look at all the year round, cottage gardens are not for you.