Cottage Bungalow

Depending on the architecture of the home, a formal or informal theme should be established. Most cottage bungalows feature a quaint, traditional family feel to the garden. Meandering pathways of brick, flagstone, pavers, cobblestone, decorative gravel, trellises, and select water features, accompanied by flourishing fragrant flowering shrubs, vines, and small patio trees are basic elements. Intimate seating and dining areas, a fire pit or fireplace, perhaps a water fountain, is a must for the Cottage Bungalow Garden. As space allows, an organic spa or plunge pool adds the final touch to the cozy environment. Custom light fixtures make evening activities and dining a pleasure. Plants should include soft foliage that moves with the ocean breezes or afternoon trade winds. It is not the number of elements and plants that make the Cottage Bungalow a success, but the placement of those forms that creates an inviting, tranquil garden.

Cottage Bungalow Elements: In addition to the hardscape elements mentioned above, essential bungalow outdoor décor includes garden furniture such as a decorative table, chairs, benches and built-in seating areas with colorful cushions and accessories. Ornaments that catch the ocean breezes are attractive, as are small wall fountains, bird baths, and sun dials/sculptures/statures that remain in scale with the yard.

Cottage Bungalow Plants: Pathways and walks should be lined with small groupings of dwarf plants and non-creeping groundcovers. The Sea Pinks and Dwarf Mondo Grass foreground plants give way to Floral Carpet Roses, Gardenias, and flowering dwarf foundation shrubs. Vines and espaliers are an excellent choice to soften structures and walls.