Welcome to Melina Mantey’s garden.
Color has always been a priority in my garden. The brighter and more diverse, the better. When I first started out, I was aware there were certain trains of thought on color palettes and patterns, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to look out my window and see a riot of color. Now that I have been around the block a bit, I know this approach is called a cottage garden. I was thrilled to discover these, and I have spent the past few years painting my garden in splashes of color and turning it into my own version of an English countryside garden. I’m pretty lucky living in the Pacific Northwest, because there isn’t much that doesn’t grow here. I’ve been able to experiment until my heart’s content (OK, well, a gardener’s heart is rarely totally content) and learn what does and doesn’t work in my yard purely by trial and error.
I didn’t come into this with a lot of experience. It started off pretty slow in fact, with mostly pots and maybe a few annuals in the ground (oh, and hydrangeas, because—of course!). However, it slowly grew over time, and before I knew it, I was on a first-name basis with my local nursery. This past year or so, my garden has really taken shape, as a difficult day often ends with a stop at a nursery or a tour around my garden. There are always new ideas to cultivate, plan, and execute; and as it is with many people out there, gardening has been a therapy for me. It has helped me cope and even work through aspects of PTSD, which makes me thankful every day that my plants and I have found each other. When I first started out, it was because I just wanted to see something beautiful when I looked out the window, but now I feel that same beauty within myself. It’s amazing what a beautiful plant and a plot of dirt can do for the mind, body (ouch), and soul.
As for what you can find in my garden besides just bright colors and random pairings, there are a few “go-to’s” I have when it comes to plant shopping. I can rarely resist a colorful heuchera, and I have so many different types of sedum in my garden I have lost count. I like anything that is going to give me color and shape year-round, especially in the gloomy months. Heather is also a great one for that. As for more seasonal options, roses, lavender, hydrangeas, and salvia are always great long bloomers that keep the pollinators coming.
Hellebores (Helleborus sp., Zones 4–9) make a long-lasting display, even after the flowers have faded to green.
Spanish lavender (Lavendula stoechas, Zones 7–10) is long blooming, with fragrant, purple flowers.
Double-flowered tulips add an extra dose of drama to the spring garden.
Hen-and-chicks (Sempervivium sp., Zones 3–8) make a beautiful container that will still look good even if your forget to water.
Color in the garden can come from foliage too.
Bright annuals bring a splash of intense color.
An assortment of plants with gold foliage can brighten up even the gloomiest of days.
What would a cottage garden be without roses?
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Comments
You are so right. Gardening does soothe the soul. I am at most peace when I'm gardening. Your garden is really lovely.
I am so glad your garden gives you peace as well! I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I'm so glad that your garden has been such a healing place for you, Melina. You certainly have lots of beautiful plants and, oh, lucky you to have a great nursery nearby. Over the past several years, I have sometimes come across articles that talk about how soil can contain certain micro bacteria that are good for healthy mental health. So....keep digging and planting and stirring up the dirt.
Thank you! I certainly plan on it :) There is always something to do out there.
What a gorgeous tulip. I cannot grow them here so always enjoy seeing what others have.
This was my first year growing them. I put them in pots. The biggest trick was preventing the squirrels from digging them up before they had a chance to shine.
Such a pretty garden and I love the cat/butterfly sculpture behind the hellebores!
I do too! Garden sculptures are so much fun :)
Usually I'm more of a picture-person, and love the garden photos and read quickly. But I really liked what you wrote about the way your plants and garden effect your "mind, body and soul". You've created a really pretty and peaceful garden.
Thank you!
Beautiful thoughts, beautiful pictures, beautiful garden. Would LOVE to see some long shots of your garden showing how all these portions fit together - I'm sure it is awesome!
Hi Cheryl! Yes, I hope to be able to share more photos soon :)
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