When the words “cottage garden” come to mind, this is the kind of planting I picture. This is a mix of yellow and orange cosmos, red and pink zinnias, and purple tall verbena (Verbena bonariensis) designed by Liz Niebling for her garden in Exeter, New Hampshire. Liz planted the cosmos as just a yellow variety years ago, and collects its seeds each year. Every spring she’s surprised to see the orange flowers mixed in, too. We love this happy jumble of plants. Mick the kitty seems to, too.

Welcome to the Fine Gardening GARDEN PHOTO OF THE DAY blog! Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a spectacular plant, a stunning plant combination, or any number of other subjects. Think of it as your morning jolt of green.

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