Creating a Cottagecore Garden

Guest post by Fatjoe Publishing

​In the stillness of the early pandemic days, many of us discovered a new rhythm—one that included long walks, slow mornings, and, perhaps most beautifully, gardening. It wasn’t just a way to fill time; it became something more grounding, more intentional. As shared in this lovely reflection on gardening, there was comfort in nurturing something, in watching beauty bloom through uncertainty.

Now, years later, the garden remains a place of quiet joy. But the question many are asking is how to make that space feel not just functional, but magical. The answer might lie in the gentle aesthetic of the cottagecore garden—a soft, lush, and romantic space that blends wild beauty with thoughtful charm.

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Fill It With Useful and Beautiful Plants
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Cottagecore gardens are filled with life—not just in bloom, but in purpose. The flowers you choose can be both stunning and useful, and the planting style leans into layered abundance. Picture tall hollyhocks and spires of delphinium dancing in the breeze, while foxgloves and sweet peas wind their way along fences and arbors.

At ground level, herbs add texture and scent. Lavender, thyme, rosemary, and mint not only smell heavenly, they’re handy in the kitchen and attract bees and butterflies. Calendula adds color and can be used in homemade salves or teas.

The beauty of a cottage garden is that it doesn't follow rigid rules. It's about planting what you love and letting it mingle in unexpected ways—a space where every bloom feels like it belongs.

​Let It Keep Its Wild Spirit
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Part of the charm of a cottagecore garden is how it leans into the soft and unstructured. Unlike manicured lawns and neat hedges, these gardens allow plants to flow freely, often self-seeding from year to year. Paths don’t have to be perfectly straight, and flowerbeds can be slightly overgrown without feeling neglected.

This low-maintenance, high-reward style is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy their garden rather than constantly manage it. Let climbing roses tumble over trellises, allow daisies to pop up between pavers, and embrace the natural rhythm of the seasons.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a space that feels like nature had a hand in the design, where the garden itself is gently guiding the process.

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Make It Your Private Slice of Heaven

The most magical gardens are the ones that feel like your own secret hideaway. Cottage gardens invite you in with soft details—wrought iron chairs tucked beneath trees, lanterns strung along branches, and perhaps a vintage table set for two.

To preserve that sense of peace and privacy, a gate can add both charm and function. It marks the garden as a special space, your own quiet retreat. For ease and security, consider working with a gate operator to install a gate that suits your home’s style and the dreamy feel of your garden.

Paired with a wooden fence or a rose-covered arbor, a gate becomes more than an entryway—it’s a moment, a welcome, a way of saying: “You’re entering somewhere lovely.”

​A cottagecore garden is never about trends—it’s about soul. It’s about creating beauty, finding peace, and expressing yourself in your own outdoor corner of the world. You don’t need to overhaul your yard overnight. Start with a favorite flower, a cozy bench, or a winding path.

Over time, the space will shape itself into something soft, lived-in, and uniquely yours.