How to Landscape a Cottage Entry

Cottage landscaping traditionally consists of lush greenery, vine plants growing up the exterior walls and a colorful arrangement of flowers or shrubs. In any landscaping layout, it's important to draw the eye to the entryway using a variety of flowers or shrubs. Cottage landscaping is informal to create appeal and be reminiscent of the quaint cottages in Europe, which take on a romantic and whimsical appearance by the lack of structure. The use of landscaping in the front of any home can enhance curb appeal and beauty of the architecture.

Arbor
Trellis
Hanging baskets
Shrubs
Flowers
Stepping stones
Ground cover
Ornamental trees

Instructions

- 1
  Place an arbor at the end of the walkway or a trellis against the entryway walls and cover it with fragrant vines such as honeysuckle, wisteria or jasmine. For a lush, green look, plant creeping fig or ivy to grow over the arbor or trellis. A trellis adds color to the front of the cottage, while an arbor provides some privacy to the entryway.
- 2
  Hang potted plants or baskets from the porch ceiling to bring the landscaping all the way up to the front door. In the baskets, plant annuals such as pansies, petunias or geranium.
- 3
  Install a stepping stone walkway leading up to the front door, and soften the look of the stones by planting hardy ground cover between the stones such as mint or thyme.
- 4
  Surround the porch or entryway with shrubs and flowers of various sizes to retain the informal look of European cottages. Roses, azaleas and dogwood bushes blend together for a quaint look. Enhance the privacy and color around the entryway by planting dwarf ornamental trees such as crabapple or dogwood varieties.

Front Yard Landscaping for Ranch Homes

Landscape Ideas for Small Side Yards

Overall Landscape Planning