Last week when I was writing about seed starting, I was already anticipating this post. That’s when I realized that for years I’ve been inching towards my dream garden: the urban cottage garden.
I have adapted over the years to learn what works in my tiny 7×7 terrace in the middle of Manhattan and how I can incorporate elements from a whimsical cottage garden.
And here we are today! I’ll be sharing in this post my garden inspiration, plans, as well as all the seeds I bought and supplies to get you started (should you choose to copy my garden plans for your own space–feel free, friend!)
The Inspiration
It’s so interesting how the colors I am drawn to changes yearly. I design by feel first, and this year, I am wanting a soft, romantic, and uplifting feel for my 2025 urban cottage garden.
My color palette includes shades of pale pink, ivory, butter yellow, with accenting colors of blue, purple, and yellow. I will also plant an abundance of herbs between my flowers to add some grounding greens and edible delights!
Here was my inspiration:
My Urban Cottage Garden Design (and all supplies)
This year I tried to focus on adding native plants to my garden. Native plants are something I am learning is much better for the environment, and to my surprise and delight, there are many flowering native plants that are short enough to work for my urban cottage garden! HUZZAH!
Here are all the flowers and herbs I have (minus lemon balm because it wouldn’t fit haha):
The Seeds
Native Flowers
Non-native flowers
Herbs
The Supplies
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This allows me to provide you with free resources and I am so grateful for your support!
Note: if you are doing the soil blocking method I used this year (tutorial here), do not get the trays with cells included, get the other one without cells since you will be making your own soil blocks. If you are not making your own soil blocks, get the trays with cells.
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Large potting mat 43×30
$6.79 -
Gardzen 5-Set Seed Starter Trays with Humidity Domes 200 Cells
$22.99 -
Sale!
Strong Seed Starter Trays with Humidity Domes, Set of 5
Original price was: $27.99.$25.99Current price is: $25.99. -
FoxFarm Bush Doctor Coco Loco Potting Mix, 2cu ft
$39.95 -
Ladbrooke Authentic Soil Block Maker 2″ Blocks
$44.95
Easiest Plant Pairings
Here’s the beauty of this garden design: everything but nasturtium is 18″ or under. On the back of your seed packet it will state the plant’s height, so all you do is make sure the taller plants are behind or on the sides of shorter plants. It’s that easy.
What I do is pair by colors I like (it varies by planter) and then I include herbs in between most of the flower groupings. Herbs act as a natural pest control because they are so fragrant and unappealing to bugs.
Good luck to you! Follow me on instagram for more help and comment below with any questions you might have!