Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Cottage Garden

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Cottage gardens are my favorite style of garden design, probably because it bring images of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit to mind. I love the relax look, the flower choices and the, oh so British look. And with spring around the corner, now seems like a great time to share some tips on how to achieve that look.

*** Original article written by me for the Winona County Master Gardeners column in the St. Charles Press/Lewiston Journal in summer 2020.

Cottage gardens are one of the most popular garden styles in the world. Not only do they evoke images of summer, but they are also fairly easy to care for because of their smaller scale. Part of this garden design appeal is its seemingly relaxed look. But make no mistake, there is a method to achieving that quality. Thankfully, with a little planning you can have a beautiful cottage garden that is not only inviting but also an area where pollinators can thrive. These tips will help guide you in designing a pollinator-friendly cottage garden: 

  • Start small. Just like with any other garden, a cottage garden requires upkeep. I recommend starting with 1 or 2 beds and getting comfortable with their required workload and maintenance before going bigger.

  • Choose the right plants for your garden. Plant selection will depend on location, space, and budget. But also keep in mind the color palette you want, height and width at full maturity, and whether the plants are pollinator-friendly.

  • Select plants with different blooming times to provide continuous growth and interest during the growing season. This will also ensure pollinators have food and shelter throughout the season. Consider adding sunflowers, as they will provide both necessities well into late fall.

  • Add dimension and texture by incorporating different plant shapes and heights to give interest at various eye levels. For example, you can add height by combining tall flowering spikes like ‘Russian’ sage and Speedwell, with loose-shaped plants like coneflowers and scabiosa, and finish with a compact border plant like hybrid salvia or boxwood. Also for height consider sunflowers and milkweed.

  • Stay away from hard straight-edged borders and incorporate curves and winding forms that evoke a sense of fluidity.

  • Plant spacing is not as restrictive in this type of garden. It is common to see more plants packed in smaller spaces, with no exposed ground, to create a sense of lushness and fullness. This also helps cut down on weeding.

  • Add impact with anchor plants and structures. Roses are a favorite anchor plant in cottage gardens because they provide impact and focus. Some cottage gardens use structures like trellises, obelisks, picket fencing, repurposed items, and plants like evergreens to anchor the garden and give a sense of structure.

  • Create focus areas by grouping plants of the same variety in groups of three or more. Again, keep in mind the plants height and width at full maturity.

  • Do not forget container gardening. Containers are a great way to add interest.

  • Keep in mind that a cottage garden will not happen overnight even if you spend hundreds of dollars in plants. The magic of the cottage garden happens as time goes by and plants get established.

A cottage garden is a deeply personal space. Keep this in mind when designing and selecting plants. Make it inviting to others but make it a space that will also brings you joy in years to come. Happy gardening! 

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Fresh & Customizable ~ Anatomy of the Perfect Buddha Bowl

It’s fresh, bright, delicious… and very easy. I love bowls in all shapes and flavors, even if some are questionable. I will try most things once. :) Healthy bowls are convenient and the combinations are endless. But what makes a good bowl? Is there a ratio of protein to carbs? That’s another beauty to this type of dish— bowls are easily adaptable to fit everyone’s dietary needs and fitness goals. I am a big fan, and if you ever go on my Instagram, you can see some samples there. This one featured here is what I call a Rainbow Bowl because it has so many colors!

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So— what is the anatomy of a yummy bowl?

  • Key Ingredient 1: Leafy Greens. This is one of my favorite parts because I love lettuce, especially romaine. You add bulk and freshness to the bowl. Other good options: kale, spring mix, spinach and iceberg (yes— I love me some iceberg lettuce).

  • Key Ingredient 2: Lean Protein. There are many options you can go with in this category, but my favorite is crispy tofu coated in yummy spices, depending on the flavor profile I am going for. Other good options: chicken, steak, bison, or for a vegan option, you can add tempeh, edamame shells, or legumes.

  • Key Ingredient 3: Starch. Most of the time, my starch is a grain— I love quinoa, farro and couscous. But other great options are pumpkin, squash, and potatoes (regular and sweet).

  • Key Ingredient 4: Color Goodness. Mother nature rocks when it comes to producing colorful and delicious produce! And because I eat with my eyes, I need something colorful, so depending on the season, I rely of watermelon radishes, purple cabbage, dragon carrots, etc. The point is, for me, to make it visually appealing.

  • Key Ingredient 5: Healthy Fats. Healthy fats are an important component of nutrition so my go-to is avocado or seeds. If I do not have this on-hand, then I add some olive oil or avocado oil.

  • Key Ingredient 6: Flavors. This is where you can go crazy! Depending on what flavor you are in the mood for, the spices and flavors combinations are endless. I usually love southwestern flavors, as well as Italian and Greek, so I used spice blends in those flavor profiles. It is also a great way to introduce sauces or juices to add extra layers of flavor.

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What about you? Do you have a favorite bowl that you just can’t stop eating?