Creating a vibrant cottage garden that bursts with colour throughout the year is a delightful way to embrace the changing seasons. Here are ten cottage garden ideas to inspire your green thumb:

1. Evergreen Backbone: Begin with a strong foundation of evergreen shrubs such as Boxwood or Holly. Their lush foliage provides structure and colour, even during the dreary winter months.

2. Seasonal Blooms: Incorporate a variety of flowering plants that bloom during different seasons. Start with snowdrops and crocuses in early spring, followed by tulips and daffodils, and later, roses and foxgloves to ensure continuous blooms.

3. Herbaceous Perennials: Engelman's Pea and Delphiniums can add height and drama in the summer. Select perennials that thrive in your local climate for lasting presence year after year.

4. Climbing Plants: Use climbing plants like Wisteria or Climbing Roses on trellises and arbors to introduce vertical interest and dramatic flair to your garden.

5. Textured Foliage: Mix in plants with interesting foliage such as Lamb’s Ear or Heuchera. Their unique textures and colours can add depth, especially in the quieter seasons.

6. Wildflowers and Pollinator Plants: Create a wildflower area that attracts bees and butterflies. Plants like Lavender and Echinacea not only provide colour but also enhance the biodiversity of your garden.

7. Seasonal Containers: Use pots and containers to showcase seasonal displays. Fill them with winter pansies, summer petunias, or autumnal chrysanthemums for a quick pop of colour.

8. Incorporate Grasses: Ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Stipa add movement and softness to the garden while providing visual interest during the winter months.

9. Garden Art and Accessories: Use decorative elements like painted garden furniture or whimsical sculptures to enhance colour and charm, making your garden an inviting retreat year-round.

10. Lighting Accents: Consider adding solar lights or lanterns that can highlight features in your garden, providing a magical atmosphere even on the darkest evenings.

By thoughtfully combining these elements, your cottage garden can thrive in a riot of colour and texture, creating a cheerful oasis that shifts with the seasons.