Thanks everyone, I'm sure these lists are going to be of help to others as well as myself. It's really nice seeing what everybody is growing, different zones different plants, some I can't grow in the ground but some I can grow in a container for a punch of color then put in the greenhouse for winter protection. From all the contributions Nell has done a survey of what the top 12 plants for a cottage garden are, the ones with the most votes seem to be the favorites, this will be a big help to anyone starting out with a blank slate. It also helps those of us that are still looking for good choices to add to our cottage gardens. If anyone thinks of more to add to this list feel free to do so. I have got some of the plants mentioned above, I'll be selecting more from these lists to add to my garden. I'll post a picture if and when it looks half decent. Annette

I have about a 20'X3" flowerbed on the east side of my house that I planted with red roses in February and am also trying to find companion plants after removing mint (although I notice here and there it's coming back, probably won't EVER be able to get it all out, but am trying!). I easily rooted a skullcap this winter and planted it to see how that would work out,, but it looks like it's struggling, so am looking for some sort of companion plants, too. I do notice that a purple salvia does well in this bed, it gets morning sun and afternoon shade, so may go with that and be done with it.. The roses are Firefighter, Oklahoma, Francis Debreuil and Stephen's Big Purple (yikes!), along with a Souv Dr. Jamain that hasn't done anything for two years, and the wonderful Dr Huey that sprung up out of nowhere (and I can't get rid of). I'll be interested to see if this works. Must say at this point I am enjoying the wild colors, so we'll see...This is pretty much my first foray into the more modern roses, and so far they look healthy.

Oh I love old garden roses and feel a cottage garden just isn't complete without them! For those who are scared about growing them, don't! I was like that too but then I did some research. I didn't know a thing about roses other than hearing somewhere that they are hard to grow. I didn't even know what antique roses were. I learned that antique roses can thrive with very little care once established and that some like cold or cool climates while some like hot and humid. So I bought the roses that do really well for a hot and humid south like the chinas, teas, and noisettes. I now have 24 roses in my garden and they all all big and beautiful and they are my favorite plants in the garden. I've only just gotten started with them too as they are very addicting! :O) Some people have JP problems I have had so far very little problem with them and some minor thripe problems but nothing that takes away at all from roses. Try them and you will love them but do your homework. The antique rose forum is the best place to start. :O) I would love to grow DA roses but I don't think that those for the most part do well here without spraying and I don't spray. Who knows I may just get tempted one year to try! ~Meghan

I have a rose that I'm fairly certain is Russell's Cottage Rose. I grew it from a cutting from my grandparent's garden. I recently moved and have to transplant the rose, so it shouldn't be any trouble to get a new start from it at the same time. If you are willing to take a chance that I properly identified it, I would be happy to send it to you. GK