5 Steps to Achieve the Cottagecore Garden Trend

The cottagecore aesthetic is all about embracing nature, nostalgia, and a sense of romantic simplicity. Inspired by traditional English cottage gardens, this trend blends wild naturl beauty with vintage charm, creating an outdoor space that feels both enchanting and effortlessly welcoming.

Here are five ways to bring the cottagecore garden trend to life in your home.

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1. Embrace Abundant, Natural Planting

A true cottagecore garden is bursting with flowers, greenery, and edible plants, creating a layered and organic look. Instead of rigid borders or manicured hedges, aim for a more natural, slightly overgrown aesthetic with a mix of perennials, wildflowers, and herbs. Opt for traditional favourites like lavender, foxgloves, hollyhocks, and rambling roses, which provide both colour and fragrance.

Incorporate edible plants such as strawberries, mint, and rosemary, which blend seamlessly with ornamental flowers while adding a practical element to your garden. Choosing native plants will also help support local pollinators and wildlife, making your outdoor space feel even more in harmony with nature.

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2. Add Rustic and Vintage-Inspired Structures

Cottage gardens are known for their charming, timeworn feel, and adding traditional garden structures can help achieve this aesthetic. Consider using wooden trellises, reclaimed brick pathways, or wrought-iron gates to add a sense of history and character. Climbing plants like wisteria, honeysuckle, or old English roses can soften these structures, enhancing their romantic appeal.

A simple wooden archway covered in greenery or a weathered picket fence can transform your garden into a secluded sanctuary. Upcycling old materials, such as repurposing vintage ladders as plant stands or using antique garden tools as decorative accents, can add even more charm to the space.

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3. Create Cosy and Secluded Seating Areas

A cottagecore garden isn’t just about looking beautiful, it should also be a space to relax and unwind. Creating a seating area nestled within lush greenery will give your garden a truly magical feel. Whether it’s a wooden bench tucked beneath an overhanging tree, a cast-iron bistro set surrounded by potted plants, or a wicker chair draped with soft cushions and throws, these cosy corners invite you to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.

For extra atmosphere, hang string lights or lanterns nearby to create a warm, glowing effect in the evenings. Positioning your seating near fragrant flowers like jasmine or lilac will enhance the sensory experience, making your garden feel like a true escape from everyday life.

Set of 2 Green Scallop Edge Embroidered Placemats

4. Elevate Outdoor Dining with Cottagecore Tableware

A key part of the cottagecore lifestyle is embracing slow, intentional living, including mealtimes. Turn your garden into an idyllic dining space with carefully chosen tableware that reflects the trend’s nostalgic and rustic appeal. Natural linen or colourful embroidered placemats, stoneware plates, and vintage inspired glassware can transform even a simple outdoor meal into a special occasion. Opt for soft, earthy or pastel colours and floral patterns to enhance the natural aesthetic.

Layering different textures, such as a lace table runner over a wooden table, can add depth and warmth to your setup. Whether you’re enjoying a casual breakfast in the sun or hosting an alfresco dinner, these small touches create a sense of charm and tradition.

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5. Decorate with Timeless Accessories

Thoughtfully chosen decorative accents can elevate your garden’s aesthetic and add personality to your outdoor space. Ceramic artichokes, Chinoiserie ornate vases, and sculptural objects create focal points that enhance the romantic and whimsical feel of a cottagecore setting.

Display a collection of vintage-style vases filled with fresh blooms on an outdoor table, or place decorative ceramic pieces amongst potted plants to add interest. Weathered urns, botanical-inspired ornaments, and wicker accessories work beautifully in both large gardens and compact patios, adding layers of texture and charm. Mixing in handcrafted or artisanal accessories will further enhance the timeless, curated look that makes cottagecore so popular.

By blending these elements into your outdoor space, you can create a garden that feels like a timeless retreat. One that invites you to slow down, embrace nature, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Whether you have a sprawling countryside garden or a small urban space, these principles can be adapted to bring your cottagecore dream to life.