Outdoors

5 simple ways to create a cottagecore garden – embrace a wholesome country scheme

The cottagecore trend, which began on social media sites like Tumblr and TikTok, combines lifestyle with fashion, and idealises rural self-sufficiency

Cottagecore garden trend
(Image credit: Future)

The stay at home advice of recent months has seen many of us turn to gardening, as we all embrace new ways of enjoying our own space. 

Spilling into our garden designs is a resurgence of the cottagecore trend, with its aspirations of an idyllic country lifestyle and harmony with nature.

Key elements such as wild flowers, cozy corners and a kitchen garden area, will all evoke that cottage-like simplicity in your own design. 

If you are unsure where to start, take a look at Bradstone’s top tips on how to get your own cottagecore fairy-tale garden.

1. Plant pretty florals  

Cottagecore garden trend

(Image credit: Future / Catherine Gratwicke)

Think climbing roses, cherry blossoms, soaring hollyhocks and trellises draped in wisteria, to provide a colorful vintage backdrop. 

Not only will the heady scents and vibrant hues create a warm, cottage style welcome, pressing the flowers and framing them afterwards is the perfect cottagecore pastime.

2. Choose natural stone paving 

Cottagecore garden trend

(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)

Winding pathways and secluded patio areas with weathered characteristics give a traditional, rural feel. 

Ethically sourced limestone, granite and sandstone is the perfect choice, featuring unique textures and rustic profiles for an authentic lived in feel. The hard wearing natural stone is available in a wide variety of shades and often includes beautiful natural veining so no two pavers are the same.

3. Repurpose old furniture 

Cottagecore garden trend

(Image credit: Future)

Get resourceful and transform something unloved into a statement piece for your garden. Whether it’s recovering old seat cushions in patterned fabric or breathing new life into old dining chairs with a lick of outdoor paint,  embracing environmentally-friendly living, perfectly signifies the cottagecore lifestyle.

4. Grow a herb garden 

Cottagecore garden trend

(Image credit: Future / Tim Young)

Planted directly into the garden or filling a decorative display of second hand pots and jars, fresh herbs grow quickly and provide an abundance for the homestead. 

Choose fresh lemon verbena or lavender to flavor a home grown cup of tea, or pick varieties like rosemary and mint to complement wholesome cooking.

5. Include a summer house 

Cottagecore garden trend

(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)

For reading, relaxing or getting creative with those new found hobbies, a summer house or garden room can provide the perfect escape – even in the winter – if heated well.

Decorate with cozy seating in floral patterned textiles, vintage trinkets and soft warm lighting, for a totally insta-worthy hideaway.

Jennifer Ebert
Deputy Editor (Digital)

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.