Cottage Low-Maintenance Garden Design with Lawn

Lavandula angustifolia

Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, spacing 1.5 ft apart. Water deeply once a week after establishment, more in dry periods. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new blooms; blooms early to mid-summer.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Plant in full sun to part shade in fertile, well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep soil consistently moist. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage larger blooms; blooms summer to fall.

Rosa x 'The Fairy'

Plant in full sun with good air circulation in rich, well-drained soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. Prune in late winter to remove dead or weak canes and shape; blooms repeatedly from late spring to fall.

Buxus sempervirens 'Green Mountain'

Plant in partial shade to full sun in well-drained, fertile soil. Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, especially in hot weather. Prune in late spring or early summer to maintain desired size and shape; evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.

Hosta spp.

Plant in part to full shade in consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil are dry. Remove spent flower stalks as desired; grown for foliage, blooms in summer.

Dryopteris erythrosora

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Water regularly to keep soil evenly damp, especially during dry spells. Minimal pruning required, remove old fronds in spring; evergreen in warmer climates.

Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple'

Plant in partial shade to full sun in well-drained, organic-rich soil. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms; primarily grown for foliage, blooms late spring to summer.

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly after planting until established, then tolerates some drought. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming; blooms late spring through summer.

Echinacea purpurea

Plant in full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soil. Water consistently during dry periods. Deadhead spent flowers for longer bloom time; blooms summer to fall.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, then it is drought tolerant. Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring; provides vertical interest and blooms in summer.

Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood'

Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained to dry soil. Water sparingly once established, as it is highly drought tolerant. No significant pruning needed; forms a mat of foliage with summer blooms.

Thymus serpyllum

Plant in full sun in well-drained, even rocky or sandy soil. Water sparingly once established. Trim as needed to maintain shape or prevent spread; fragrant groundcover with small summer flowers.

Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip'

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, then it is drought tolerant. Requires minimal pruning to remove dead or unruly branches; provides year-round blue-green groundcover.

Calibrachoa x hybrida

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil, fertilizing regularly for best results. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Deadheading is not required; blooms continuously from spring until frost.

Petunia, Verbena, Coleus mix

Plant in good quality potting mix in full sun to part shade. Water daily, especially in hot weather, and fertilize regularly. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering; blooms all season long.

Coleus, Impatiens, Ivy mix

Plant in good quality potting mix in part shade. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilize bi-weekly. Pinch back leggy growth to maintain a bushy form; provides continuous color and foliage interest.

Pinus strobus

Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Water deeply during dry periods, especially when young. Prune only to remove dead or diseased branches; provides evergreen structure and shade.

Festuca/Lolium/Poa blend

Sow seeds or lay sod in well-prepared, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Water deeply and regularly to establish, then maintain with 1 inch of water per week. Mow to a height of 2.5-3 inches regularly; best performance in cool-season climates.