How to Plant an English Country Garden

A typical English Country Garden is a style of garden made popular in the 18th century, involving statues, water features and lush greenery as well as a mixture of colourful flowers. With its relaxed planting and mixture of flowers, the English Country Garden can be adapted for any space or climate, which makes it the perfect solution for your plot of land, however big or small.

Instructions

1. Visit flower shows and garden centres for inspiration. This will kick-start your ideas, and it's a great time to get advice on planting and the types of plants that work best.

2. Plan your plantings so that you'll have something blooming each season. Plant shrubs and perennials to brighten up dull periods, and use climbing plants to cover walls, arches and trellises.

3. Use plants with a variety of heights and colours. English Country Gardens often have a wild look, so don't be afraid of mixing flower types. Dense planting can help to discourage the growth of weeds, and the mixture of colours will help to attract butterflies and other wildlife.

4. Consider installing a water feature. A fountain or small pond can add to the peaceful atmosphere in your garden.

5. Add some statuary. Miniature roman temples, Chinese pavilions and imitation ruins are the most traditional options for English Country Gardens, but be creative and use what inspires you.

6. Create an oasis in your garden where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings. You may want to add a bench, or simply a small patch of grass where you can come to relax and take pleasure in what you've created.

Tips & Warnings

• Use scented plants such as lavender and thyme to turn your garden into a feast for the senses.

• Roses are an essential ingredient for an English Country Garden, but they can be difficult to maintain. You can encourage their growth by burying a banana skin at the foot of the bush. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps roses grow.

• Water features such as ponds can be a safety hazard for young children, so consider carefully before installing these.

• Keep an eye on plants for the first year after planting, as they may need extra watering during dry seasons.

Resources

• Bella Online has a site devoted to the English Garden, including tips on flowers and planting.
• The Cottage Garden Society has gardening news and information on seeds.
• Visit this catalogue of birds, flowers, animals and fungus found in one English Country Garden.
• The English Garden is a magazine for garden lovers.