Three tips for creating a cozy cottage patio in your small garden

I love cottage-style patios. They have such a cozy and colorful atmosphere. How do you achieve that cozy and colorful atmosphere, you ask? Here are three tips…

1. Interplanting: Plant plants in the gaps between stones to make the patio feel ‘greened up’. This will also add a sense of coziness and take away any sense of formality. In the garden above, the groundcover creeps in the cracks and forms its own irregular mats.

2. Irregular cut style: Notice how the stone in the photo above is irregulary cut and laid with gaps up to 3″.  This lack of pattern lends itself to the casualness of the cottage style. This casual patio is perfect for casual sitting but beware: if you sport high heels — they’re going to sink in between the cracks!

3. Encroaching plants: An abundance of plants help to make the space feel super cozy. The plants will invariably creep in on the sitting area, making the patio lines less defined and adding to a secluded and intimate vibe.

As you can see in the photo above — even when the stonework is more linear, you’ll have gaps with pebbles in between. This will maintain the casual nature of your cottage patio.

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This article was written by Jessy Berg, professional landscape designer & co-founder of Habitat Design. Habitat Design provides full-service online landscape design planning for small and mid-sized gardens, & an online store of unique garden & home furnishings — all at an affordable price. Jessy believes that beautiful gardens should be accessible & affordable for everyone. Check out Habitat Design >

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