A Wildly Delightful Cottage Garden

I often admire this large cottage-style garden on Old Eustis Road when I drive by, but it was this stunning display of rich purple Mexican Bush Sage in bloom that caused me to stop and capture it on film.

However, the photos are not the same as seeing it in person. The homeowner told me she had grown weary of dealing with the issues of St. Augustine grass, and has instead turned her garden over to a plethora of year round, blooming perennials.

It's wildly delightful . . . don't you think?

In true cottage style, there are many whimsical features located throughout the garden. This rustic chair . . .  in the process of being overtaken by a vine is one of my favorites. It's just so Florida . . .yes, Florida!  After a long, hot summer of wild growth, most of our plants can begin to take over the garden, too.  I personally hope she doesn't shear it back.

Along with countless numbers of perennials, there are also roses. What cottage garden would be complete without roses. In this case . . . the Knock-out variety, which is well-suited for Florida.

And, of course, there are pathways. Oh, how I love pathways! Shall we? Let's go!

This beautiful angel birdbath adds a touch of romance. Love how she's surrounded by Wendy's Wish Salvia and Blue Plumbago.  

The side garden is enclosed beautifully with varying shades of green for privacy. All those textures and colors are a feast for the eyes.  

And, what cottage garden is complete without a house . . . or two, or three . . .  for our feathered friends.

You don't often come across a labrynth in the garden in which to stroll through meditatively. She has created one in the shape of a heart, which goes along quite nicely with the gigantic heart shaped leaves in the background.

I only wish you could take a sniff of these white spiky blooms on the Sweet Almond bush. They fill the garden with a wonderful scent.

Here's one more look at the rich purple flower spikes of Mexican Bush Sage. They're beautiful swaying in the breeze. 

And, speaking of spiky . . . this variegated Agave is one tough, drought-tolerant plant and it looks pretty, too. Here it is surrounded by the Mexcan Bush Sage and orange Firecracker plant on the left and a red Bottle Brush tree and ornamental grass on the right. All drought-tolerant and Florida-Friendly plants. 

This free-spirited gardener creates her magic by weaving a quilt of perennial beauty that changes with the seasons. After driving by this garden often, I'm so glad I stopped and finally got to explore all the hidden gems tucked into this large cottage-style garden.

Permission granted by the homeowner October 2013