THE COTTAGE GARDEN – Enchanted, dreamy and romantic

Today, it's the epitome of charm and nonchalance, full of blossoms, fragrance, and joie de vivre. Colorful sustainability, a habitat for many beneficial insects, and garden enjoyment instead of gardening. Perhaps a few chickens, juicy tomatoes, and a fresh bouquet of flowers on the kitchen table? The desire for a simple life, the longing for authenticity, far from smartphones and Wi-Fi.

Its origins are somewhat less romantic.

The pantry, and thus the stomachs, had to be filled. A purely vegetable garden that had to feed its inhabitants. Planted to produce the greatest possible harvest in a small space. It had to be useful and functional. No time for outdoor living.

And in between, there were many flowers, which also had their purpose. Either as a medicine cabinet, or to attract beneficial insects or repel pests. Similar to a cottage garden.

The concept was simple: no fancy design, the range of plants was almost the same from generation to generation, or seeds and plants were exchanged with neighbors.

Towards the end of the 19th century, ambitious artists and the urban middle class discovered "simple" country life. And with it, the cottage garden. The self-sufficient garden evolved into a rural idyll with its unmistakable flair, which remains unmistakable to this day. They created their own version of the cottage garden, where the focus was no longer on growing food, but on beauty, color, and joie de vivre.

The greatest influences at this time were Gertrude Jekyll and William Robinson.

The cottage garden captivates with its structured wildness, yet still follows a well-thought-out concept. However, you shouldn't be surprised by the planning or the effort involved. This rewarding garden style, although arguably one of the most beautiful to look at, requires relatively little maintenance.

And – it suits every house. Whether it's a historic half-timbered house, a farmhouse, a newly built terraced house, or a modern architectural creation, the cottage garden has proven to be a good partner and, in many cases, has enhanced the home.

With its vibrant colors and fragrance, it is a boon to bees, providing them and other insects with a habitat and food source.

Would you like to transform your garden into an enchanted and romantic paradise for people and animals? Then take a look here .

Photos: Janina Laslzo, Syl Gervais