Think of the border as a landscape in miniature. Tall verticals — foxgloves, delphiniums, verbascum — rise through a mid-layer of roses and peonies. At the front, allow alchemilla, thyme and erigeron to soften every hard edge. Leave gaps. Self-sown seedlings are how a cottage garden writes its own second draft.

• Choose a restrained color story: blush, apricot and cream, or violet and white.
• Repeat three plants throughout so the garden feels gathered, not sampled.
• Give roses a partner — nepeta, hardy geranium or lavender — to hide their ankles.
• Keep one path generously wide so abundance never becomes an obstacle.

Cottage style is generosity with an editor. Let plants mingle, but decide who is invited.

— Amara Quinn