VAL’S TIPS FOR COTTAGE GARDEN BORDERS

Heavy summer rains can flatten borders, so in early spring stakes are prepared for tall plants, such as aconites and delphiniums. Supports for mid-height bushy perennials are also placed. Standard roses, clematis on obelisks, bay or miniature fruit trees trimmed into lollipop shapes all add height. Wooden structures are kept simple, using traditional designs and natural finishes for picket fences, gates, pergolas and rustic arches. Ornaments are used sparingly. Salvaged items, such as terracotta pots, weathered stone bird baths or sundials are appropriate. New ornaments are aged by applying coatings of live goat’s milk yoghurt, which encourages lichen to grow. Laying winding paths of gravel or pebbles allows plantings to flop over and self-seeding plants to take hold. This creates softened edges. Paths from reclaimed bricks laid lengthways are left with sufficiently wide cracks for moss to creep in. Ground-hugging thyme and lavender bushes are edged in for heady fragrance. Plants are watered regularly during the growing season, then cut back and mulched in autumn. Ground-covering perennials minimise the need for weeding. Once every three years, congested perennials are dug up and split. If left to get old and woody, they will not flower so prolifically.