Step 1: Pick plants for a cottage effect

Cottage gardens may appear wild and romantic, but it takes the right combination of colors, textures, and accessories to pull off the look.

In this garden: Lavender blue scabiosa and red Astrantia; rosy Pimpinella and Alstroemeria; lacy white Eupatorium rugosom ‘Chocolate’ and creamy Clematis recta; and deep purple delphiniums.

The prettiest gardens blend at least a few of the plants in the following slides.