Charming Cottage Garden: An Array of Pretty Plants

A cottage garden is designed with an informal, overflowing and romantic style. And that is certainly on display in this well-established residential garden in Jackson, TN. Annette Shrader learns about the top performers in this very diverse plant palette that includes magnificent trees, top-performing perennials, showstopper shrubs, and colorful blooms.

Post author By NPT Editorial
Post date September 3, 2026
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Gardener Extras

Cleome hasseleriana (spider flower) attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. There are varieties that do not reseed such as 'Senorita Rosalita' or 'Elio Magenta'.
Mentha suaveolens (apple mint) grows easily in zones 5-9. It spreads rapidly through underground runners.
Similax smallii (Jackson vine) can grow over 30' and is mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen. It is commonly used in wedding bouquets for its lushness and cascading quality.
Larkspur is easy to grow from seed in shades of blue, pink and purple. Performs well as a color border and vertical filler. Deer-resistant.
Phytolacca americana (poke sallet) has shoots and leaves in the spring and early summer that are edible with proper cooking. However, later in the summer they become deadly. Native to eastern N. America, the Midwest, and the South.
Gymnociadus dioicus is native to eastern Midwest and grows up to 75'. Its leaf is one of the largest of all American trees. In late spring, it produces white to green flowers in bunches that attract pollinators.

Annette Shrader

Born and raised on a farm, I’ve always appreciated the smell and feel of fresh earth. When we purchased our home 35 years ago, it had some land, but not a single flower. I began the process of plotting and planning garden beds and borders, and have not stopped. Looking out at this mature landscape, it gives me a sense of accomplishment here in my own botanical garden. On her producer role with Volunteer Gardener, Annette says “These are treasured experiences. The passion that people have for their gardens sends me home feeling refreshed, and challenged.