Create A Beautiful Cottage Container Garden with a Bench & Herbs
We decided to add charm to our new patio with a simple cottage container garden this year. You won’t believe how easy and life-giving it was!
*This post is generously sponsored by The Home Depot. All opinions shared here are 100% my own. This post also contains affiliate links for your convenience. Thank you for supporting my blog and the brands I truly love!
It’s been a while since I’ve shared here.
Truly I’ve thought of sharing so many different things with you.
But life has been very full since we brought our daughter home from Korea.
In beautiful ways and in difficult ways.
But I guess that’s the way it is when you dive head first into someone’s pain and try to hold their hand as you help them find healing.
Good moments.
Hard moments.
Beautiful moments.
I’ve had a few people reach out and check in on us and because of that, I’ve decided to share a little more family life on the blog than I usually do.
I still plan to share fun picnics, new additions to the patio, and some of our favorite Summer DIY projects.
But I also felt like I was supposed to share about our adoption journey.
It’s a huge passion for us, which is why we did it.
Many people have questions about it.
So I’ve decided to answer those questions and help more people who may be wondering “What does the life of a family who adopted actually look like?”
Cottage Container Garden: A Beautiful Solution to Our Changing Life
Remember my last post on Instagram and Facebook right before we left for Korea?
I mentioned that I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to spend time in the garden.
(Kind of funny that the last post I wrote was about was creating an easy flower arrangement, which is a garden joy of mine haha!)
Well, after getting home we decided in order to be successful with this huge transition for our family AND in the garden, we needed to reduce the number of beds we filled with veggies.
Because of time.
With a 2-year-old who needs more interaction than your average 2-year-old, there just isn’t a ton of extra time for our normal gardening.
But honestly, it’s such a God-thing that we came home during the gardening season.
It’s our favorite thing to do as a family in the Summer and as the days have passed we’ve noticed our baby girl is finding joy in the garden too.
We’ve eaten honeyberries already!
She eats them by the handful haha!
(You can check out what the honeyberry bushes looked like last year when we first planted them HERE.)
And she could sit and feed the chickens grass ALL day long!
She loves them!
So to help with the lack of plants in the garden we decided to team up with our friends at The Home Depot and bring some of our garden to our patio.
We did this in the form of a cottage container garden full of our favorite herbs.
We love it!
It’s been 100% easier and less time-consuming than if we had planted all these herbs in the garden like we usually do.
Honestly, it has me thinking about doing it every year regardless of how much time we do or do not have haha!
What plants are good for container gardening?
Most any plant can be added to a container garden, provided the plant is put in the appropriate size container.
Herbs. Flowers. Some vegetables. (We’re actually growing potatoes in containers this year too.) Some fruit. Even a limelight hydrangea can be added to a container garden with the right size pot.
For this container garden we used herbs and a few flowers.
I’ve grown herbs in containers with great success ever since I began my gardening journey.
Honestly, of all the plants I’ve ever tried in containers, the ones I’ve had the most success with are the herbs.
Is container gardening easy?
In so many ways container gardening is easy.
It’s certainly the way to go if you don’t have a bunch of space to plant things in the ground.
The other benefit to container gardens is you can try over-wintering some plants that would otherwise die in the winter.
This is something we’re going to attempt to do for a few of our containers this coming winter.
The main concern with containers is ensuring the plants are getting enough water.
Since the plants are potted they can’t just reach their roots down lower to get more water from the earth, so be sure you’re regularly checking them.
Otherwise, container gardening is fun and very fulfilling.
How We Added Charm to our Cottage Container Garden
Cottage Container Garden: DIY Bench
I’m writing about this part first because it’s one of my favorite parts of this herb garden.
I knew I wanted to add a cottage feel with a bench, but when I looked at buying a bench I could easily spend $300 on one.
So the next thing I thought about was doing a DIY bench to save money.
With the help of The Home Depot, we built this bench for $30!
Can you believe that?!
I’ll write a post that gives all the details on it soon.
But don’t these beautiful pavers and rough sawn wood boards add so much character and rustic charm?
I’m debating sanding it down a bit more so that you can sit on it, but for now, it’s perfect for a cottage-style garden.
Cottage Container Garden: Mix n’ Match Containers
This is one of the easiest ways to add cottage charm to a container garden.
Cottage gardens are by nature more wild and free.
They are whimsical and free-flowing.
A collage of colors, textures, various heights, shapes, and soft edges.
I used a few containers I already had on hand, specifically those old milk buckets with cracks and holes in them.
Then I went to The Home Depot and purchased a beautiful variety of containers to add more of that cottage feel.
My favorite is this terracotta pot.
It has that old-world European farmhouse feel that I love so much.
Isn’t it awesome when you can find things that are brand new that still bring the spirit of the old?
Galvanized buckets. Terracotta. Whisky barrels. Simple white pots.
(This 15” terra cotta plant pot is even cheaper now than when I bought it! $5 for a 15” plant pot!!)
The combination creates a stunning aesthetic.
Cottage Container Garden: Lush Greenery with Pops of Color
I’ve bought plants from many different places over the years.
I have my favorite places for roses, shrubs, fruit bushes, herbs, and vegetables.
The Home Depot is the only big box store that I repeatedly go to and purchase herbs and vegetables from year after year.
Isn’t this rosemary gorgeous?
It, along with the other herbs and flowers, was lush and ready to go from the time I brought it home.
Cottage Container Garden: Lattice for Climbing Plants
I’m so glad we decided on lattice for this space.
This was not an altogether necessary thing, but it adds that cozy cottage feel.
Originally when we went to The Home Depot we were going to get the regular lattice.
But when we got there we found this privacy lattice and knew it was exactly what we wanted.
Behind this lattice is our large patio box full of kids’ toys, garden tools, etc.
By using the privacy lattice we are able to hide it easily!
Cottage Container Garden: A Comfortable Rocking Chair
This rocking chair was a big deal for me.
It’s more than just a pretty chair to sit in near the herbs.
I decided on a rocking chair for this space because of our youngest daughter.
We brought her home at the ripe old age of 2.
This means we lost many rocking chair moments with her.
So for bonding, I wanted to make sure we had rocking chairs accessible outside like we do inside.
In the training we did to prepare to bring her home, we learned that the motion of rocking can also help with developmental needs.
So a rocking chair was more important to me than almost any other item out there.
This particular chair has been perfect for us.
It’s not so big that it takes up a huge amount of space, but it’s big enough to comfortably sit the two of us together.
Making Intentional Home Design Decisions
It’s possible that I over-analyze the needs of certain spaces in our home.
Like the rocking chair in this cottage container garden area, or even just the intention of bringing the herb garden to the patio instead of just nixing the whole garden for this Summer.
But the truth is when I dive deeper than just the aesthetics of all the spaces I find that we are able to better live our lives.
It’s like the peg rail we just did in our kitchen or the pot rack in the dining room.
The spaces are packed full with so much intention that we can’t help but find beauty in the ease of how these spaces function.
Not to mention, by being flexible and willing to change things up, we’re still able to enjoy some of the aspects of gardening.
Things look different than they did last Summer.
But different doens’t mean bad.
In fact, some of the hardest moments we’ve had since being home have turned out to be some of the most beautiful moments at the exact same time.
As I wrap this post up, I want to invite you to be intentional with your life.
It may not look like doing a container garden on the patio because you have a new baby at home.
But whatever that looks like for you, I know that you’ll find beauty on the other side.
And if you find it especially difficult, push through the hard.
There are beautiful moments to be had if you just keep pushing.
I love and appreciate all of your sweet messages and comments, and I can’t wait to tell you more about our intentional decisions this Summer.
Pin for Later!
Don’t forget to head over to Facebook or Instagram to see our day-to-day fun!
Also, make sure you follow along on Pinterest to check out all the other inspiration I’ve been pinning!
Have a great week! XoXo
Open Your Doors,
Aliya
If you missed it, make sure you head to the top or bottom of this page and sign-up to join Open Doors Open Hearts!
You’ll be the first to find out all that’s going on over here and you’ll get decor and DIY inspiration!
Aliya
Hi! my name is Aliya and I'm so glad you stopped by today! Truly you have no idea how much it means to me. I live in Ohio with my husband and 3 little girls. I believe that once we start opening our doors, that hearts will start to open around us as well. You can head over to the About Aliya page to get my whole story.
38 Comments
Jen
Friend, you outdid yourself. This space is so gorgeous. Looking at all of the photos brings me such a sense of tranquility and peace. I would love to come and join you for some coffee and conversation while enjoying the scenery with all of your pretty new flowers and herbs. And I love the addition of the privacy lattice. So pretty. It definitely adds to the cottage charm and I love that it serves a dual purpose to hide all of the toy clutter. Smart!
Love, love love. So happy for your and your family. Sending lots of love and hugs as your start your new journey as a family of 5.
Aliya
Jen! I want you to come spend an afternoon or 2 or 3 here!! I miss you so much!! Last July is too long ago!! Love you so much girl!! ❤️❤️❤️
Cindy
First, I’m so happy you are all home safe and sound! Congratulations again.
Your patio looks beauiful and you shared great tips. Your plants look healthy and I love the pavers stacked. In my plans for next season.
Pinned! Again I’m thrilled for you all!
Aliya
Cindy!! Thank you so much friend!! You have no idea how blessed I am by your kindness!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Rachel
I’ve missed you!!! Your posts, Aliya, are such a source of courage and beauty. I am so happy to hear that you are all home safe and sound. Your patio is completely gorgeous…I LOVE all the different pots and containers that you used! Home Depot does have amazing plants…I always get my ferns there year after year. Thanks so much for sharing your garden, your advice, but most of all your heart. I was so happy to see this e-mail in my inbox today! Lots of love to you and your family!
Aliya
Rachel!! Thank you so much! You’re sweet words inspire me more than you know! I wish I could put into words how much they mean to me. I tried a fern for the first time ever last year and it did so well! I’m glad I’m not the only one who has found Home Depot excellent in this!! Have a great week friend!
Jenn
This space is gorgeous and inviting! Thank you for sharing a bit of your heart and your adoption journey! Beautiful!
Aliya
Jenn!!! Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s been such a long journey, and I’m so glad to finally be at this stage in our journey!
Liberty
It certainly is hard to balance family with everything else, be it gardening, blogging, or anything! Love your garden and this post!
Aliya
Liberty! Amen!! That is so true!! Thanks so much for your kind words! Means so much to me
Jennifer Howard
This space came out so pretty!!! You have to let me know how your potatoes come out; I had wanted to try growing them in a grow bag this year but haven’t gotten around to it! I might have to copycat the bench you made out on my patio…such a good idea!!
Kim Waldorf
Aliya!! I have been praying for you all. I’m so happy to hear you speak about the beauty and challenge in it all. Your garden is so pretty and perfect for your season! Looking forward to hearing about your growing family! Peace and blessings to you! 💛
Marieza
This area is beautiful! I love the look the lattice creates.
Kelly
Oh Aliya I am so happy that you all are home! I’m praying for you as each of you make this transition.
Your thoughtfulness is evident in all you do! I just smiled reading about the rocking chair…I bet it becomes very special place for you two!
Love the cottage container garden more than you know. Love you too!
Xoxo,
Kelly
Mona
Your container garden is beautiful and looks so cozy! Sending love and encouragement for the hard times! ❤️ Your rocking chair looks like the perfect spot to work through it all.
I look forward to the bench tutorial! So many beautiful plants in your garden. My favorite container plant to grow is lemongrass. I have two pots on my lanai and use them to screen a corner that is better left unseen.
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
Welcome home, and thank your for sharing a piece of your heart and family. My prayers are with you are you navigate this new journey.
As for your garned space…it is lovely. I love the privacy lattice, and all of the posts! Everything looks so lush and green!
Aliya
Elizabeth! Thank you so much for your kind words and prayer!!! We need it and are absolutely feeling them!!! Thank you!!
Pingback:
Linda Johnston
Beautiful collection of plants and containers. Looks Europeans and like a comfortable aresa to rock. I sang over our2 baby girls every night when they came home. Sadly, we did not have a rocker in our home at that time.
Donna Allen
Your container garden is so beautiful! I enjoyed seeing all of your pretty plants and flowers!
Congrats on your growing family! Each season will come with changes as your children grow and that’s ok! Have a great summer and enjoy your wonderful outdoor space!
Aliya
Donna! Thanks so much! It’s been such a beautiful journey and every day gets better!!
Anna
This is such a well written post. You have thoughtfully integrated so many things that are essential to our lives . I love that you included how you had to reduce the time and work in your garden because you have a 2 year old. That is real life. Your containers look beautiful and all the plants look so very happy. Great idea to build your own bench!
Aliya
Anna!!! Thank you so much friend!! Your words are so meaningful to me!!
CoCo
Just pinned so many of these gorgeous images, Aliya! I love how intentional you were with this space and all the cottage and European-inspired touches you’ve added to make it extra special. It’s truly beautiful. Adding my prayers to all the others, you’ll have strength, patience, wisdom, and love when you need it most. Hugs, CoCo
Aliya
CoCo! Thank you so much! I feel like I can’t live any other way haha and your prayers mean more than you’ll ever know!!! Thank you friend!!!
Rachel - Tea and Forget-me-nots
I’m not a gardener but I love looking at pretty photos of others who enjoy it. Thanks for sharing.
Aliya
Rachel! Thanks so much! Means so much!
Rosemary Palmer
Your space is gorgeous. I have a small patio at the apartment and it gets sun all day long – and hot. Sometimes I have good luck with them – other time – no green thumb for me.
Aliya
Rosemary! Thank you so much!! Good luck with your patio garden!!! They are so lovely!
Pingback:
Pingback:
Pingback:
Pingback:
Pingback:
Pingback:
Pingback:
Cindy
I noticed none of your pots have saucers.??
Aliya
For no specific reason. I didn’t buy the saucers to go with them because this is all outside. But the saucers are beautiful and add another dimension visually, not to mention functionality! If you have them I say use them 100%! Have a great day!