How growing cottage garden classics like hollyhocks and phlox can still fit into a climate-resilient planting plan
Eleanor AshfordGone are the days when a garden was a frivolous adjunct to a home, relegated to weekends and leisurely afternoons. Today, more than ever, our gardens stand as sanctuaries, fortresses of biodiversity, and tributes to an ever-shifting climate. Yet within this modern tapestry, there remains a place for the beloved threads of yesteryear, our cherished cottage garden favourites like hollyhocks and phlox. These kind, old friends remind us that not everything from the past is obsolete; some elements are timeless and might be even more vibrant in our contemporary landscapes.
The Charm and Resilience of Hollyhocks and Phlox
Imagine a quintessential cottage garden, and it's quite likely you'll picture towering spires of hollyhocks and clusters of fragrant phlox. These classics have endured through generations not just because of their enchanting beauty but also due to their resilience. Hollyhocks, with their iconic spires, seem to nod gracefully to passersby, while phlox, whether creeping along edges or standing tall, perfumes the air with a delicacy that’s both nostalgic and sublime.
The adaptability of these plants is truly remarkable. Many of the cottage garden favourites have evolved in tandem with the British weather, which, as we all know, can be rather whimsical. Hollyhocks, particularly, are biennials that self-seed with abandon, ensuring their place from one year to the next, while perennial phlox are known for their vigorous, hardy nature. Yet within this beauty resides a modest practicality. These plants have evolved to thrive with what they’re given, making them promising candidates for sustainable gardening in a world where we must often do less with more.
Selecting Resilient Varieties
The first step in integrating these classics into a climate-resilient plan is selecting the right varieties. Modern horticultural efforts have blessed us with cultivars bred specifically for resilience, without sacrificing an ounce of their allure. For hollyhocks, consider rust-resistant varieties, as rust is their most common ailment. Meanwhile, phlox admirably conceals its fierce nature beneath a gentle façade. Yet, the creeping varieties are particularly useful for planting in drier areas as they’re less thirsty and offer generous blooms.
Paying attention to native or locally adapted varieties can be beneficial as well. These plants have a track record of enduring local conditions and can make a substantial difference in our efforts toward a sustainable garden. Chatting with local nurseries often uncovers hidden gems that are not only beautiful but imbued with a palpable sense of place.
Water-Wise Gardening
In our modern gardens, water-wise practices can ensure that the garden remains a lush oasis, even in times of scarcity. Both hollyhocks and phlox, though not entirely drought-tolerant, can acclimate to less pampered conditions with a little help.
A thick layer of mulch not only retains moisture within the soil but also suppresses weeds and returns nutrients to the earth as it breaks down. Try applying organic materials like straw, leaf mould, or bark to keep the roots cool and content. A mindful nod to the weather, such as watering in the early morning or late afternoon, when less evaporation will occur, also promotes health without waste.
The deeper roots of established plants will eventually explore further for moisture. Establishing young plants with a good drink encourages this depth, fostering not only resilience but also robustness in their stature, reflecting their timeless nature.
Supporting Biodiversity
Incorporating these classic plants into a garden is not only a testament to their enduring beauty but a boon for biodiversity as well. Hollyhocks and phlox, like little welcome signs to pollinators, can transform your garden into a lively, buzzing neighbourhood for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Hollyhocks, with their open, cup-shaped flowers, serve as pit stops for bees in search of pollen, while phlox is equally popular among our winged allies. It's worthwhile to remember that a diverse pollinator population isn’t just good news for your plants; it's a small helping hand extended toward safeguarding our ecosystems.
Think about planting in clusters and meandering lines, doing away with harsh edges, so the garden feels like a naturally flowing movement rather than a dictated plot. This not only enhances the aesthetic and feels more in harmony with nature, but it also promotes healthier ecosystems.
Gardening with Mindfulness and Heritage
One of the greatest pleasures derived from gardening is its capacity to ground us in the present while connecting us viscerally to the past. As our hands move through the earth, we, too, cultivate a kind of mindfulness, a delicate thread linking us to generations before. And, in today’s ever-busy world, this mindfulness becomes particularly poignant.
When I plant hollyhocks and phlox in my own garden, I am reminded not just of their beauty but of my grandmother, whose quaint garden was a riot of colour every July. The tradition is a tranquil one, but also powerful, and the plants have taught me much about patience and reward. Allowing ourselves to draw from this legacy does not tether us to antiquity. Rather, it bears witness to our ability to harmonize heritage with the new reality of sustainability.
Heritage plants like hollyhocks and phlox may bridge that comforting gap between the nostalgic cottage garden and a climate-resilient future, showing us that we need not sacrifice charm for practicality. When you select a plant and nestle it into the earth, you partake in the grand tradition of stewardship, fostering a space that honours beauty, resilience, and kindness for our planet.
Embracing the Future While Honouring Tradition
The gentle giants of the cottage garden require only a little accommodation, reminding us of the indefatigable spirit of our beloved flora. As we weave these favourites into our gardens, we breathe new life into traditions that stand steadfast amongst change.
The soothing act of gardening is seldom just about the result. It’s a dance with nature, carried out with much grace and no small amount of humour. In our familiarity with hollyhocks and phlox, we find that our gardens can be beacons of sustainability without sacrificing an ounce of their nostalgic beauty.
As the autumn leaves drift lazily to the ground and the seasons continue their eternal dance, take a moment to consider how these cottage elegance staples can find their place in your own garden tapestry. Rather than seeing them as relics of the past, let’s welcome them into our climate-conscious future. May your garden marriage of tradition and resilience inspire others to witness that in the world of gardening, kindness and craftsmanship are timeless partners.