Episode 402: The Art of Cottage Gardening

In this episode, gardening expert and The English Garden editor Clare Foggett joins us to explore what truly defines a cottage garden. We discuss why these spaces are defined by generous planting rather than rigid design, the magic of self-seeding plants, and how this traditional style fits into modern, sustainable, and biodiverse gardening.

Includes:

• Planted, Not Designed: Discover how cottage gardens evolve naturally through a passion for plants rather than a master plan.

• The Power of Self-Seeders: Learn why plants like foxgloves and valerian are essential for a relaxed, charming aesthetic.

• Modern Sustainability: Find out why this high-flower, low-lawn approach is the ultimate eco-friendly choice for contemporary gardeners.

Benny's Insect of the Week: Ivy Bee

Links

Beauty & Abundance: British Cottage Gardens by Clare Foggett

Nestboxes Talk - with Ian Rumley-Dawson

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If you enjoyed this week's episode with Clare, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives:

Episode 168: Cottage Gardens with Andrew Sankey

Andrew Sankey has spent decades researching English cottage gardens, and this episode explores what defines the style, both historically and today, including the plants, planting techniques, edibles and wildlife-friendly qualities that make cottage gardens so distinctive. It's a particularly useful companion to Claire's exploration of how the cottage garden has evolved and why it remains so relevant to the way we garden today.

Episode 244: The Biodiversity Gardener with Paul Sterry

Paul Sterry explores how gardens can contribute to biodiversity, from the plants we grow and the way we manage them to the habitats we create for insects and other wildlife. Like Claire's conversation, it considers how a more relaxed, abundant approach to gardening can benefit nature as well as creating a beautiful garden.