Yeah I been gone awhile too, just checking in from the winter doldrums. My cottage garden is not always planned and in accord with color theory, but I was reading last nite more about Gertrude Jekyll and she planned her gardens with a painter's eye, and with great attention to color theory, shade, hue, etc. I could never pull that off, but it's so beautiful!

Frogview - I remember you and your garden. I have also read about many a garden created with a 'painterly' eye. I think it is very much the way a cottage gardener creates. In fact, in creating new beds, I often think of myself as 'painting' with seeds, especially with the annuals that begin my process. Cottage Garden is a way of thinking, as well as a way of gardening. Or both are the same. Or something like that!!

Nancy.

Hi, Nancy.
I first heard the term in regards to Duncan Grant and Vanessa bell, who were the painters (some of) of the Bloomsbury Group, early 1900's England.The house they lived in is called Charleston House and there is a website with photos of the garden. It was restored and not very "cottagey" in the term I use as cottage garden. But I'm sure it could change year to year to the artists needs.

Thanks for remembering me! I go back to 1999 here on GW. Never been a real gabber though. I do enjoy the photos and visions of the creative gardener.

Jim

Maybe I'll post an old photo or two.