Beatrix

The relaxed cottage garden

Video shows: 80 plants in a garden 20m long with planting space 1.2m wide, on each side

An informal garden where a wide variety of plants and an abundance of pollinating flowers, mingle freely to create swathes of pastel tones creating picturesque informality.

Beatrix planting style

The planting in a cottage garden is unashamedly varied, informal, dense and in the full range of pastel colours and tones. The overall look is wilder than most of the other garden personalities would allow, almost like wild meadows in places. This is no garden for patterns or symmetry. However, the casual style can be deceptive and does take some work to keep it looking at its best. If you need a low maintenance garden this might not be for you.

Bees and other pollinating plants are just as important as you are, in sharing and enjoying these outdoor spaces. These gardens show their romantic, charming side throughout the seasons and live up to the rich appreciation of the great outdoors of their namesake, Beatrix Potter.

Signature plants

Geraniums

Geraniums are perfect for every garden due to their vast range of flower colours and foliage textures. These hardy perennials flourish all summer long and can add splashes of colour even into the dark corners of the garden.
Verbena

Graceful and dainty, these tall intricate perennials are perfect for the back of any border. They have tall green stems which can stand up to 1.5m and support miniature clusters of lilac flowers. They will freely self seed in most soils to create an abundance of dancing flowers.
Nepeta

If you have a cat (or dog) then this is the plant for you. Also known as Catmint, Nepeta is a beautifully aromatic easy-to-grow hardy perennial that offers a plentitude of blue or violet flowers throughout the summer and autumn.