There are many people who prefer to live or intend to move to, the relative peace and quiet of the countryside. For these people, the idea of creating a captivating country garden can offer boundless possibilities that they may not previously had when they lived in the city suburbs.
The absence of close neighbors, and an often-larger patch of land can provide freedom to develop a garden expansively.
The real charm of a country garden lies in its ability to blend with the surrounding countryside, evoking a sense of nostalgia and tranquility.
Crafting a country garden offers an opportunity to merge nature's beauty with your outdoor space, allowing you to embrace the charm and serenity of the countryside.
By carefully considering factors such as water supply, wind protection, and appropriate plant choices, you can create a picturesque haven that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape.
A country garden not only provides aesthetic pleasure but can also serve as a sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
It is however, crucial to strike a balance between ambition and the available resources.
Some Points to Consider When Planning a Country Garden
Take advantage of the expansive space and freedom from neighbors. If you have enough space, you may also consider adding a pond, fountain, or other water feature. Other features you may wish to include vegetable patches, wildlife gardens, meadows, and an area for cottage garden flowers.
Decide between a traditional, divided garden (often using hedging), or a freer style that embraces the surrounding landscape.
Incorporate windbreak trees to protect the garden from drying winds in open areas.
Be mindful of water availability, and plan accordingly to prevent drying out of plants and land during dry seasons.
In water-scarce regions, explore alternatives to lawns, such as gravel, while ensuring proper shading.
Consider fire-resistant or low fuel plants as a safety measure in fire-prone areas.
A larger garden can be a lot of work, so consider growing lots of low maintenance plants.
It can be of great benefit to carry out sustainability practices such as making your own compost, collecting rainwater, and growing plants native to your region.
Country gardening in Isolated and Arid Areas
Access to a steady water supply can pose a significant issue in some areas, so you may be reliant on dams or rainwater tanks, or prone to hosepipe bans. In hot dry summers, lush lawns may wither, and flowers will droop without proper hydration.
In these areas, windbreak trees become essential additions to combat drying winds that parch a garden faster than water can replenish it.
The importance of shading cannot be overlooked in Arid areas, as its use will greatly help to mitigate harsh glaring and reflected heat.
When water is scarce, lawns may be considered a luxury, and you even need to collect bathwater for irrigation of your plants. Nevertheless, the allure of vibrant lawns for your country style garden may be achieved in other ways, such as an increased use of gravel.
If you live in an area that is prone to fire, it can be a good idea to plant a 30-foot (about 9 meters) strip of fire-resistant or low fuel plants around the house, thus helping to provide a protective buffer.
Some oft used plants for a firebreak include trees such as Oak and Aspen; Shrubs such as Rockrose, currants, and Lilac; and groundcover plants including Creeping Thyme, Sedum, Ice Plants, Iris, and Daylilies.
Be sure to keep the area free of dried out wood and leaves, and use lots of spacing between trees to help slow down potential spread of fire.
Good Plants to Grow in a Country Garden Setting
Country Garden Flowers
Lavender (Lavandula plant): Lavender adds charm and fragrance to a country garden. It attracts pollinators and creates a relaxing atmosphere. Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil, and provide occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Sunflowers (Helianthus plant): Sunflowers bring a cheerful and vibrant element to any garden. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed, and provide support for taller varieties.
Delphiniums (Delphinium plant): Delphiniums offer tall spikes of stunning, vivid flowers. This plant can be used to add vertical interest to the garden. Plant into a rich, fertile soil with good drainage. Provide stakes to support their height. Regular watering and mulching are essential to help keep the soil moist.
Roses (Rosa Plant): Roses are quintessential country garden flowers, admired for their elegance and fragrance. Choose disease-resistant varieties suitable for your climate, and provide them with ample sunlight and a well-drained soil. Prune in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea): Hollyhocks are cottage-style flowers with tall spires of colorful blossoms. They prefer full sun and a rich, loamy soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden, and thin the emerging seedlings to allow proper spacing. Stake taller varieties to prevent toppling.
Foxgloves (Digitalis plant): Foxgloves are biennial plants known for their tubular flowers that attract bees and butterflies. This butterfly garden plant thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in spring or early summer and provide protection from strong winds.
Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum): Shasta daisies bring a classic, cheerful charm to a country garden with their white, daisy-like flowers. Plant in full sun and use a well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Lupines (Lupinus plant): Lupines are vibrant, spiky flowers that are often used to add height and color to the garden. They prefer a well-drained soil with a sunny location. Sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring or autumn. Provide support for taller varieties.
Sweet Peas (Lathyrus plant): Sweet peas offer delicate, fragrant blooms that are perfect for cutting and creating bouquets. Plant in a sunny spot with a rich, well-drained soil. Provide support for climbing varieties, and regularly deadhead to encourage further blooms.
Poppies (Papaver plant): Poppies bring a touch of whimsy and vibrant color to a country garden and meadows. They thrive in full sun, and require a well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or autumn. Thin seedlings as required. Remove spent flowers to prolong the blooming period.
Country Garden Trees and Shrubs
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): Magnolias are iconic flowering trees that bring beauty and fragrance to a country garden. Choose a suitable variety for your climatal needs, and provide them with a location that offers full sun to partial shade; use a well-drained soil. Regular watering and mulching are essential during the establishment period.
Weigela (Weigela): Weigelas are versatile shrubs with bell-shaped flowers that can attract hummingbirds. They preferto grow in a garden location that has full sun to partial shade, and a soil with good drainage. Prune following flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Japanese Maples are small, elegant trees with stunning foliage and graceful form. They thrive in partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Protect from strong winds, and provide regular watering.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis): Witch Hazel shrubs have spidery flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. They prefer partial shade and a moist, well-drained soil. Prune minimally, and provide ample space to cater for their spreading habit.
Smokebush (Cotinus obovatus): Smokebush is a deciduous shrub that has billowy, smoke-like inflorescences, and colorful foliage. Plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune in early spring to encourage new growth.
Dogwood (Cornus florida): Dogwoods are captivating flowering trees that add beauty throughout many seasons. Choose a variety suited for your region, and consider their specific flower colors, fall foliage, and berries. Grow in an area with partial shade and a well-drained soil. Regular pruning helpts to promote healthier growth.
Spirea (Spiraea): Spireas are versatile shrubs with cascading clusters of flowers that attract butterflies. They do best in full sun to partial shade, use a well-drained soil. Pruning after flowering helps to maintain shape and will help encourage re-blooming.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia plant): Crape Myrtles are stunning flowering trees that produce long-lasting, vibrant blooms. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning in late winter or early spring promotes better flowering, and improves shape control.
Forsythia (Forsythia): Forsythias are early-blooming shrubs that herald the arrival of spring with their bright yellow flowers. They prefer a garden location with full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil. Prune immediately after flowering to maintain their compact shape.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata): Winterberries are deciduous hollies that can be used to add a splash of vibrant red berries to the winter landscape. They prefer a moist to wet soil, and can tolerate partial shade. You will need to plant both male and female varieties for berry production.
Useful Country Garden Windbreak Plants
Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) – These are fast-growing evergreen trees that will provide a thick, dense barrier. They are widely used for privacy and wind protection.
Norway Spruce (Picea abies) – Known for their hardiness and fast growth, these coniferous trees are commonly used in windbreak designs.
White Pine (Pinus strobus) – This evergreen has long, soft needles and is often used in areas with harsh winters.
Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) – This very hardy and adaptable US native tree. It is often used in windbreaks as it can withstand a variety of conditions.
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) – This is a large, fast-growing evergreen that is often used in windbreaks in the Pacific Northwest.
Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) – Known for its distinctive blue-green color and conical shape,this tree provides good wind protection.
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis / spp.) – These are evergreen trees with thick, dense foliage. They are commonly used to create privacy screens and for windbreaks. The 'Green Giant' cultivar is particularly popular for these purposes.
American Holly (Ilex opaca) – Although slower growing, this tree can form a dense, evergreen windbreak. It carries attractive red berries that help to attract wildlife.
Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica') – These trees are very tall and narrow, making them ideal for windbreaks when space is limited.
Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra) – This is a sturdy and resilient evergreen that provides excellent wind protection.
I hope this post has given you a few good ideas for plants to use in your Country Garden.
