Hello (again)! I was scrolling through this sub forum and the cottage style gardens really caught my eye. I was wondering how you would go about starting a cottege garden as well as what plants are easy to start with. I also have a large yard with hardly anything in it, and I was wondering if anyone could shoot me some landscaping ideas?
Thanks!

I'm also going to pull out the hostas in the front of the house, they typically shrivle up in the sun as we get lots of light in the front of the house.

Wow a clean slate
so many ideas
I would look through some books and magazines to find my style
make a list of what you like colors? types?

Start with some focus or hardscape

path, fence , birdbath , tree,

then plant around the focus

plan one or two garden areas the first year , as you learn plants you will learn what you like

Cottage gardens have almost no rules
start a journal

good luck good gardening

I agree with Cinda in that just start with one or two areas and try not to be overwhelmed doing the whole thing at once.

I would also put in some fruit trees as there is nothing like going out and picking fresh fruit from your yard. Not sure what grows well in Iowa since I am used to California weather. Good Luck!!

I'd also do a little research about what grows well in your area, your soil. Some plants will do better in a fast draining sandy soil, others in wetter areas. Some like acidic soil, others alkaline. Some will want lots of sun, others little. Look for things hardy in your climate and native to your area.

Turning a grassy area into a flower bed is easier and cheaper when done as a lasagna bed. Research lasagna gardening or interbay mulch bed.

Good luck and enjoy. Starting from a blank slate should be fun.

Karen