Nine vintage garden favorites passed down from grandparents, with an explanation of why you might want to cultivate them as well.
Trust me, there's nothing quite as heartwarming as cultivating the same garden blooms as your grandparents did. Whether it's the sight, the scent, or the memories they trigger, these classic flowers can instantly transport you to simpler times. Let's dive into some ageless flowers that are sure to impress everyone.
- London Pride: With its unique green rosettes, London Pride is a rugged, pink and white flower that's perfect for those cramped nooks and shady spots in your garden.
- Peony: Peonies add a classic touch to any cottage garden with their floriferous, highly perfumed blooms. Honoring the Regencycore garden trend, who could resist these stunning, long-lived beauties?
- Sweet William: These slow-growing, fringed blooms come in candy shades of white, pink, cerise, and claret. Bring them home for a splash of vintage charm!
- Holly: Holly plants are often overlooked, but their green leaves and vibrant berries add a delightful decorative touch to any garden. Fun fact: they could be your unassuming holiday season companions!
- Lilac: Smothered in deliciously fragrant blooms every spring, lilacs, with their heart-shaped leaves, were once the pride and joy of every yard.
- Lily of the Valley: For many gardeners, lily of the valley is one of the most nostalgic flowers. With its sweet white bell-shaped flowers, it's a perfect choice for shaded gardens and woodland borders.
- Bearded Iris: Bearded irises are charming, resilient, and elegant. What's more, they thrive on division, making them perfect for passing down through generations.
Vintage Flora for Every Yard
- Snapdragon: These enchanting flowers with their vibrant flower spires and distinctive blooms are a staple in vintage gardens.
- Hollyhock: Soaring to impressive heights, these elegant flowers with their large, open blooms bring a majestic charm to any garden.
Don't forget about Pansies, Violas, Poppies, Primroses, and Stocks for added vintage charm in your garden! Plus, consider incorporating elements common in cottage gardens like Amaryllis, Rain Lilies, herbs, and fragrant plants like thyme, rosemary, and lavender. Happy gardening!
[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). Popular Annuals: Old-Fashioned Flowers That Are Making A Comeback. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/composting/popular-annuals-old-fashioned-flowers-that-are-making-a-comeback.htm
[5] The Spruce. (2020). Choosing Herbs for a Traditional Cottage Garden. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/choosing-herbs-for-a-traditional-cottage-garden-2133108
Incorporate the vintage charm of Snapdragons and Hollyhocks into your landscaping for a throwback garden style that fits seamlessly with your home-and-garden lifestyle. To add a touch of nostalgia and old-fashioned elegance, consider the returning favorites such as London Pride, Peonies, Sweet William, and Lily of the Valley, as suggested by Gardening Know How. And in the spirit of cottage gardens, don't forget to include fragrant herbs like thyme, rosemary, and lavender, as advised by The Spruce.
