Cotswold & Cottage Gardens

Another feature of the Cotswold garden is the parterre. This is a more formal element where geometric beds, often separated by low boxwood hedges, are arranged in a symmetrical design. The limited colour palette applies here again, and the overall effect is simple yet stunning.

Topiary is a very important part of the Cotswold garden and is something fun to play with. Plant high, closely trimmed hedges – yew, hornbeam or beech are popular choices – to divide your garden rooms, clip geometric shapes or an obelisk to create a focal point, or create some whimsy with topiary animals, birds and balls!

If you have the space, a wildflower meadow is a wonderful part of any garden. Throw plenty of seeds down and let nature take its course for a display that changes throughout the year. Plant bulbs for an extra pop of colour and to make sure there’s something to see in every season – crocuses and snowdrops will be the first flowers to peek through the frosty ground, daffodils and tulips bring spring cheer and agapanthus and dahlias will provide colour well into the summer.

If you want a lawn in your Cotswold garden, make it a square one, and plant it with wide borders overflowing with flowers. Another traditional look is to have a stone path bordered by a strip of lawn and deep flowerbeds either side.

Alternatively, and if it’s safe to do so, a large pond or other water feature will provide lots of interest and bring the wildlife into your garden.

Introduce some foliage into your garden to complement the floral displays. Looks for colours that will work with the palette, or go for patterns, structure and texture that will provide a bold contrast. Ornamental vegetables are especially effective in Cotswold gardens and also give you something good to eat. A kitchen garden of raised beds is another useful feature – railway sleepers make for great retaining walls.

When it comes to the Cotswolds garden, what surrounds it is almost as important a consideration as the garden itself. Across the Cotswolds you’ll see gardens enclosed by dry stone walls, and if this is an option for you then it will be the perfect complement to the garden design. If a stone wall is not appropriate, consider picket or woven willow fencing for a more craftsy look.

Finally, the best Cotswold gardens have a folly – think Broadway Tower, or the stone temple at Barnsley House! While you may not manage to fit a temple into your own garden design, a summerhouse, glasshouse or even an arrangement of columns will feel at home here.