There's something about spring that brings out the dreamer in every gardener—and this week, we're leaning into that with a look at the timeless elegance of English gardens. From winding paths and clipped hedges to roses spilling over gates, we’re spotlighting classic design tips and the plants that bring it all to life. You’ll also find ideas for working with tough clay soil, a fresh new salvia that’s made for the heat, and a roundup of houseplants that prefer to hang out—literally.
Plus, don’t miss our upcoming webinar with Rebecca Sweet, all about designing a garden that shines in every season. Whether you’re planting, planning, or just daydreaming, there’s something for you to dig into this week
English gardens have a way of feeling both wild and wonderfully put-together—structured paths meet billowing borders, and everywhere you look, something’s blooming. While the term is sometimes used interchangeably with “cottage garden,” traditional English gardens actually began as large, formal spaces designed by the upper class, with cottage gardens being their simpler, more practical cousins.
Curious what gives these gardens their signature look? Think repeating plant groupings, soft color palettes, clipped hedges, and lots (and lots) of roses. Add in a few gates and pathways to create transitions between garden rooms, and you’re well on your way. We’ve rounded up 16 classic design ideas you can borrow—easy to tweak for any garden, big or small. Design by Daniel Shea. Photo by Elliot Hook. (See more of this garden.)
Plants & Flowers for an English Garden
Looking to capture that soft, romantic English garden feel? Start with the right plants. From climbing roses and towering hollyhocks to fragrant lavender and classic delphiniums, these 14 picks bring all the charm. Whether you're going for something formal or a bit more free-flowing, this mix of blooms will help set the scene. Pictured: Happy Jack® Purple clematis, Rise Up® Ringo climbing rose, and 'Mars Magic' hollyhock, from Proven Winners.
From Plan to Planting:
Designing a Garden for Every Season
Webinar with Rebecca Sweet
Thursday, May 15 @ 6PM EDT*
*Can't join us live? All registrants will receive the recording.
Want a garden that looks good in every season—not just spring? Join us next Thursday, when garden designer Rebecca Sweet shares her approachable, plant-savvy strategies for creating a landscape that has color, structure, and interest all year long. You’ll learn how to build a solid framework, layer in plants that perform across multiple seasons, and work with your site’s shifting conditions to create a space that thrives through summer heat, winter chill, and everything in between. Check out this short video for more info!
10 Perennials That Like a Challenge: Clay Soil
Clay soil can be a tough gardening challenge—dense, slow-draining, and not exactly inviting to most plants. But there are perennials that don’t mind getting their roots a little dirty. These 10 standouts grow well in clay and bring reliable color and texture to spots where other plants might struggle. From vibrant coneflowers to sturdy grasses, these picks are great options for working with what you've got—and making the most of it. Pictured: Summersong™ Firefinch™ coneflower. Photo by: Proven Winners.
Learn how to select, plant, and care for enchanting climbing roses to ensure a garden draped in beauty all season long. Whether you're dressing up arbors or embellishing walls, these roses add a fragrant and colorful flourish to any garden space. Pictured: Rise Up Emberays® from Proven Winners.
Some plants just like to hang out—literally. If your shelves are full and your windowsills are maxed out, it might be time to look up. These 10 easy-going indoor plants are made for hanging, whether it’s from a macramé hanger, a ceiling hook, or the edge of a high shelf.
They trail, they tumble, and they bring a whole new dimension to your plant collection. Bonus: most of them are super low-maintenance. Pictured: Burro's tail.
New Plant of the Week:
Unplugged® White Salvia
Looking for a heat-loving annual with native roots and nonstop blooms? Meet Unplugged® White salvia—a fresh twist on the much-loved So Blue™ variety. With crisp white, two-lipped flowers packed tightly on upright stems, it brings bright contrast to beds and containers all season long. Bonus: the soft, silvery calyxes keep the show going even after petals drop.
Native to the southern U.S., this salvia handles heat, humidity, and drought like a champ—no deadheading needed. Bees and butterflies love it, deer don’t, and it keeps blooming right into fall. A great pick for pollinator gardens or anywhere you want reliable color with a native edge.
It’s been a bit too chilly and soggy to get much done in the garden this week—but with warmer weather on the way, I’m glad the plants got a good soak before the heat kicks in. I was talking to another gardener last week about how our gardens feel a little behind compared to this time last year, and she completely agreed. Of course, with all the wild weather across the country, we really can’t complain. How about you—are things moving along in your garden, or still waiting to catch up?
Happy gardening!
—Linda
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