Planting the Right Cottage Garden or Meadow for You

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Laura Coit

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Instead of a typical turfgrass lawn, create a frontyard meadow garden with a lively mix of wildflowers, annuals and perennials.

Now about that adjacent meadow... Admittedly, not everyone has the space for a large, sunny, open area next to a cozy cottage garden. But meadow-inspired wildflower gardens and perennial beds can replicate the carefree beauty of these gorgeous natural spaces, and they can be any size (but preferably large enough to enjoy a good massing of them waving in a stiff breeze).

What’s more, these natural spaces are important to the balance of the land in some parts of the country. The grasses’ and wildflowers’ deep roots help the plants survive cold winters and dry summers, as well as help prevent soil erosion. The Midwest was once home to a massive ocean of grassland – the prairie. This undulating sea contained a rich mixture of grasses and wildflowers. The stirring beauty of this unique North American habitat can be restored in modern prairie gardens, as well as in an innovative theme called the New American Garden, where free-spirited ornamental grasses are artfully arranged with drifts of perennials and bulbs. Suggestive of the prairie, these gardens may contain native prairie plants, as well as others matched to local growing conditions.

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Butterflies find colorful coneflowers an enticing garden addition to any meadow or prairie planting.

These naturalistic prairie and meadow gardens can fit in just about sunny garden space. You may choose to plant that meadow in your side yard to accompany that frontyard cottage garden. Or perhaps you’ll turn your entire back yard into an artful prairie meadow. You just need the right wildflowers and grasses for your area and your soil. Then plant those that complement each other together. If you’re planting a large area, be prepared to give that prairie garden a little special care, including an annual mowing and some weed control. Chances are, the larger the space you’re able to plant, the more breathtaking you’ll find your results.

The best part of these garden styles is that you’re not limited by where you live. You can grow a beautiful cottage garden or a lovely meadow or prairie garden just about anywhere – even in the desert! Just adjust your plantings and your plans for a lovely, welcoming space.

Facts

Cottage gardens and meadow plantings often include a variety of brightly colored bulbs and wildflowers – as well as grasses and shrubs (and more).
Tough, adaptable and often drought-tolerant, bulbs are great for adding extra color to cottage or meadow gardens with minimal effort. They make superb companion plants to perennials, groundcovers, ferns and ornamental grasses, and they’re a welcome addition to all kinds of natural landscapes.

Tips

A winding path of stepping-stones is charming in out-of-the-way parts of your garden and still provides safe access and secure footing.

Faqs

Q: When is the best time to plant perennials?
A: You can plant perennials about any time of the year, but planting them in certain seasons is likely to give you better success with these lovely plants. If you live in a climate with cold winters, midspring is the best time to sink them into the ground. In regions with mild winters, fall or early spring would be better.

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Growing a Backyard Meadow
If you’ve got the space and long for a natural look to your garden, consider growing a backyard meadow. Such an ever-changing, low-maintenance “field” can reduce your gardening workload, as well as attract all kinds of wonderful wildlife year-round. Here are some tips to help you get started.
The Proper Way to Sow Wildflowers
Learn how to keep weeds away and sow wildflower seed for maximum effect in your garden.

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