Transforming a simple fence line into a charming, fragrant herb and flower border is easier than you might think.
With just a 15-foot by 2-foot space, full sun, and a handful of thoughtfully chosen plants, you can create a lush cottage-style garden that brings beauty and bounty to your backyard.
Planning the Bed
A successful cottage garden feels casual and abundant, but it’s smartly planned. For a narrow 2-foot-wide bed, layering is key: place taller plants along the fence, medium- height plants in the middle, and low-growing herbs and flowers along the front edge.
Choose plants that love full sun and are hardy to your growing zone. In this design, you’ll blend hardy perennial herbs with colorful annual flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and snapdragons for year-round structure and bursts of seasonal color.
Shopping List Essentials
Herbs:
• Rosemary (Arp or Hill Hardy) – 1 plant
• Sage – 1 plant
• Lavender (Munstead or Hidcote) – 1 plant
• Oregano – 2 plants
• Marjoram – 2 plants
• Chives – 2 plants
• Thyme (English or Lemon) – 2 plants
• Creeping Thyme – 2–3 plants • Parsley – 2 plants
• Cilantro – 2 plants
Flowers:
• Snapdragons (mixed colors) – 2 plants
• Zinnias (compact varieties) – 2 plants
• Marigolds – 2–3 plants
Optional Extras:
• Bay Laurel (container- grown) – 1 pot
• Nasturtium seeds – 1 packet
Planting the Bed
In true cottage garden style, avoid rigid rows. Instead, plant in loose clusters of three to five plants. Space rosemary, sage, and lavender about three to four feet apart along the back of the bed to provide structure and fragrance.
The middle layer can feature oregano, marjoram, chives, snapdragons, and zinnias, spaced about 1.5–2 feet apart. Mix marigolds between these plants to add bright pops of orange and yellow while helping deter pests.
Along the front edge, plant creeping thyme, parsley, and cilantro in small drifts, spilling naturally over the border.
Watering and Care
Watering wisely is essential to establishing and maintaining your herb and flower border. For the first two to three weeks after planting, water lightly but consistently every two to three days, keeping the soil evenly moist.
Once the plants are established, shift to deep watering once or twice per week. For a 15-foot by 2-foot bed, aim for around 15–18 gallons total per week. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to target water efficiently at the roots. Morning watering is ideal, reducing evaporation and minimizing disease.
Harvest and Enjoy
Many of the herbs in this design — such as oregano, chives, and thyme — thrive with regular harvesting. Snip a few sprigs often to encourage fresh, bushy growth.
Flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and snapdragons will bloom more vigorously if you deadhead spent flowers regularly. At the end of the season, hardy herbs can be trimmed lightly, while tender annuals will fade after the first frost.
A Rewarding Border
With just a small space and thoughtful planning, you can create a garden that’s as functional as it is beautiful. From fragrant herbs for cooking to vivid flowers that brighten every day, your 15-foot cottage herb and flower border will offer rewards all season long.
Melissa Hamilton is a dedicated volunteer with the Barry County Community Garden and a Barry County Master Gardener. She may be reached at melissa.hamilton1969@ gmail.com.
