Garden Design Plan

Based on your specifications

Garden Specifications

Dimensions

20 x 15 feet

Style

Cottage Garden

Plant Types

Perennials, Herbs, Shrubs

Visual Layout Suggestion

╔════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║                 North Side                 ║
║  S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  ║
║  S H H H H H P P P P P P P H H H H H H S  ║
║  S H . . . . P P P P P P P . . . . . H S  ║
║  S H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H S  ║
║  S H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H S  ║
║  S H . . . . . P P P P P . . . . . . H S  ║
║  S H . . . . . P P P P P . . . . . . H S  ║
║  S H . . . . . P P P P P . . . . . . H S  ║
║  S H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H S  ║
║  S H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H S  ║
║  S H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H S  ║
║  S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════╝
                South Side
                
Legend: S=Shrubs, H=Herbs, P=Perennials, .=Pathway

Plant Recommendations

Perennials

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 12 plants, 18" spacing Mature size: 2' x 2'
Echinacea 'Magnus' 8 plants, 24" spacing Mature size: 3' x 1.5'
Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' 10 plants, 15" spacing Mature size: 1.5' x 1.5'

Herbs

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 6 plants, 24" spacing Mature size: 4' x 3'
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 12 plants, 12" spacing Mature size: 1' x 1'
Sage (Salvia officinalis) 8 plants, 18" spacing Mature size: 2' x 2'

Shrubs

Hydrangea 'Annabelle' 4 plants, 4' spacing Mature size: 5' x 5'
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) 10 plants, 3' spacing Mature size: 3' x 3'
Lavender Cotton (Santolina) 14 plants, 2' spacing Mature size: 2' x 2'

Style Integration

Your cottage garden design incorporates these key elements:

Informal, romantic layout with curved pathways
Dense, abundant plantings with overlapping blooms
Mix of traditional cottage plants (lavender, rosemary, hydrangea)
Structural elements through boxwood borders providing year-round interest
Herb garden integration for both beauty and function

The central perennial garden creates a focal point, while the surrounding herbs offer fragrance and culinary use. Shrubs provide structure and privacy along the garden borders.

Care Instructions

Sunlight Requirements

Perennials: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
Herbs: Full sun to part shade
Shrubs: Varies by variety (see detailed plan)

Watering Schedule

Establishment: Regular watering for 4-6 weeks
Year 1: Deep water 1-2x weekly
Established: As needed during dry periods

Seasonal Care

Spring: Cut back dead growth, apply mulch
Summer: Deadhead flowers, monitor watering
Fall: Reduce watering, light pruning
Winter: Apply winter mulch, protect tender herbs

Soil Preparation

Amend soil with 2-3" of compost
Test soil pH (aim for 6.0-7.0)
Add organic matter to improve drainage
Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Additional Tips

Best Planting Times

Plant perennials and shrubs in early spring or fall. Herbs can be planted after the last frost date.

Companion Planting

Plant rosemary near cabbage plants to deter cabbage moths. Sage repels carrot flies and cabbage moths.

Maintenance Schedule

Weekly: Deadhead spent flowers, check for pests
Monthly: Apply organic fertilizer during growing season
Seasonally: Divide crowded perennials, prune shrubs
Annually: Soil testing and major amendments

Budget Considerations

Estimated costs for this 20' x 15' garden:

Plants: $450-650 (can be reduced by starting from seeds/cuttings)
Soil amendments: $100-150
Mulch: $80-120
Tools and materials: $100-200

Consider phasing the planting over 1-2 seasons to distribute costs.

Garden plan generated by AI Garden Designer

Garden Design Planner