Image courtesy of Jane Lord
When Jane from @the_little_end_cottage moved into her home fifteen years ago, she fulfilled her long-held dream of a pretty, flower-filled garden. Over the years, she and her husband have completely transformed the space by adding stone patios, wildflower lawns, cut flower beds and a stunning pergola-framed outdoor dining area. To learn more about Jane, including which flower she couldn’t be without, read on…
How did you get into gardening?
Jane’s idyllic cottage, surrounded by colour and tranquility.
Images courtesy of Jane Lord
I’d always dreamt of living in an old house with a pretty cottage garden, and fifteen years ago my dream came true. As soon as I saw the cottage, I had a vision of pretty roses climbing the stone walls and borders packed with a romantic jumble of perennials and annuals; after all, you can’t have a cottage garden without them, can you?
My husband and I both enjoyed gardening, but having full-time jobs meant that we didn’t have much time to spend on it, other than to keep it looking tidy. It was when I retired six years ago that my gardening bug well and truly kicked in. Looking back at old photos now makes me realise just how much we’ve done, slowly but surely.
What inspires you in the garden?
Cosmos and hydrangeas are among Jane’s favourites.
Images courtesy of Jane Lord
I love growing flowers from seed to fill our cutting garden and borders, and there’s nothing better than spending time in the little greenhouse which my husband built for me. I try to grow something new every year, but I wouldn’t be without cosmos; I think they’re one of the prettiest, long-flowering annuals to be found. Growing your own flowers also works out much cheaper, which is very important to a Yorkshire girl.
What do you like to grow?
Jane’s cottage wrapped in foxgloves and roses.
Images courtesy of Jane Lord
My favourite plants and shrubs include many of the cottage garden staples: roses, foxgloves, hydrangeas, poppies, daisies, hardy geraniums, lavender, sweet peas and phlox, to name a few. Any plants that attract the pollinators are, of course, very welcome.
Tell us about your recent projects
Jane’s newly installed pergola.
Image courtesy of Jane Lord
I always have a little project in mind; it keeps my husband busy, and he enjoys it. Over time, we’ve added stone patios, lawns, new borders, a vegetable garden, cut flower beds, a shady garden, and most recently, a new pergola.
What are you most proud of?
Jane’s cut flower bed is perfect for attracting pollinators.
Images courtesy of Jane Lord
In 2024, it was so noticeable that the bees and butterflies were in decline, and doing whatever we can to help them is so important. So last year we decided to turn one of our lawns into a wildflower garden to encourage the bees and butterflies. It’s still in the early stages, but hopefully it will be in full flower later on this year.
What’s your top gardening tip for beginners?
Jane’s cottage garden in full bloom.
Image courtesy of Jane Lord
If you’re new to gardening, the best tip I could give you is not to rush. Spend time getting to know your garden before introducing plants. It’s worth taking time to consider which area of the garden gets the most sun, which area is the most shaded, and which area is the wettest. Once you have the answers to those questions, you can then research which plants are best suited for each condition.
I’d also say that choosing perennials you can propagate by division is a great idea. Hardy geraniums are perfect for this; I’ve got at least 15 plants from one I bought five years ago, which has saved me a fortune!
How has gardening changed your life?
Jane’s greenhouse, filled with young plants and cottage charm.
Images courtesy of Jane Lord
Gardening has been incredibly rewarding for me. It challenges me, builds confidence, reduces stress, and offers great exercise, yet it’s also deeply relaxing. What more could you want? If you’re tempted to give gardening a try, don’t hesitate. You won’t regret it!
Grow like Jane
A vibrant display of pretty, pink cosmos flowers.
Image: Cosmos ‘Pink Mosaic’ from Thompson & Morgan
If you’d like to grow the plants and flowers Jane showcases on her Instagram page, here are some of her favourites:
Follow Jane at @the_little_end_cottage to see how her cottage garden continues to grow and bloom. For more inspiration, our full series of Featured Gardeners contains a wealth of hugely knowledgeable growers who are also worth a follow.
The Thompson & Morgan horticultural team produces a wealth of content around gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was published in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown to become one of the UK’s largest Mail Order Seed and Plant companies. Through the publication of our catalogues and the operation of our award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the very best quality products money can buy.