How to Design New England Country Gardens

Design a plan for your garden, after considering the soil type and amount of sun and rain the chosen area receives. Consider building beds or using containers if your soil is not up to par or amending the soil with organic compost. Try using tin planters or tubs, for example. Incorporate containers into a ground-planted garden to add more interest.

Combine straight and rounded areas within the garden, using bricks or rocks to enclose the garden space as these materials are readily available in New England. This medium may also be used to make a garden pathway.

Place small statues within the garden. Statues such as children fishing or catching butterflies, an adult lounging in a hammock or animal statues are appropriate if they are evocative of country life in New England. Well-placed, sizable rocks or boulders will lend an informal, country feel as well.

Install a water feature in your garden, as a water source played a vital role in many early country gardens. Use a small- to medium-sized feature if a large one is not practical. A fountain will add the sound of running water to your garden, while a birdbath will attract wildlife.

Plant small trees, shrubs and flowers. Consider roses and small fruit trees. Use trailing verbenas and nasturtium to grow along fences and rock walls. Plant several varieties of poppies, as well as cornflowers and petunias to add color.

Placing a butterfly bush and globe artichoke in the garden will add textural interest to your country garden, and a bleeding heart will add a romantic touch. Add different types of ferns to the landscape for more visual and textural interest.

Use herbs in your New England garden for added beauty and culinary use. Herbs to consider include allium, rosemary and lavender.