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Writer's pictureVanesa Eleonor Vale Mendoza

The A to Z of Cottagecore gardening: 20 Key Terms You Need to Know

Updated: Aug 31, 2023

In this glossary, we've compiled a list of key terms and concepts to help you navigate the world of Cottagecore gardening and create a garden that is both beautiful and environmentally conscious.




  • Biodynamic gardening: a holistic approach to gardening that incorporates principles of organic gardening, astrology, and spiritualism to create a harmonious and self-sustaining garden ecosystem.


  • Bee-friendly gardening: a type of gardening that focuses on creating habitats and providing food for bees and other pollinators, such as planting native wildflowers and avoiding the use of pesticides.


  • Companion planting: the practice of planting different plants together that have a beneficial effect on each other, such as repelling pests or improving soil fertility.


  • Cottage garden: a style of garden that features informal and densely planted beds of flowers, often including traditional cottage garden favorites such as roses, daisies, and lavender.


  • Espalier: a technique for training fruit trees or shrubs to grow flat against a wall or fence, creating a decorative and space-saving feature in a garden.


  • Forest gardening: a type of gardening that mimics the structure and diversity of a natural forest, incorporating edible plants, trees, and shrubs into a low-maintenance and sustainable ecosystem.


  • Green roof: a type of roof covered in vegetation, such as plants or grass, that helps to insulate buildings, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife.


  • Hügelkultur: a German technique for creating raised garden beds by layering logs, branches, and other organic matter, creating a self-fertilizing and moisture-retaining bed for plants.






  • Mini greenhouse: a small, enclosed structure used for growing plants, often made of glass or plastic and used to extend the growing season or protect plants from the elements.


  • Ornamental grasses: a group of grasses that are grown for their attractive foliage and texture, often used in Cottagecore gardens to add movement and interest.


  • Organic gardening: a method of gardening that emphasizes using natural and sustainable practices to grow plants, without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.


  • Perennial: a plant that lives for more than two years and comes back year after year, as opposed to an annual plant which must be replanted each year.


  • Potager: a French-style kitchen garden that combines vegetables, fruits, and herbs in a formal and ornamental design.


  • Rock garden: a type of garden that features rocks and stones, often arranged in a naturalistic way, and planted with low-maintenance plants such as succulents or alpine flowers.




  • Seed saving: the practice of collecting and storing seeds from plants in a garden for future use, preserving genetic diversity and reducing the need for purchasing new seeds.


  • Sustainable Gardening: a holistic approach to gardening that focuses on using resources in a way that is environmentally friendly and socially responsible, such as using rainwater harvesting and composting.


  • Upcycling: the practice of repurposing old or discarded items to create new, functional objects, such as using old boots or teapots as planters.


  • Vermicomposting: a method of composting that uses worms to break down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, reducing waste and improving soil fertility.


  • Whimsy: a playful or fanciful quality, often associated with Cottagecore aesthetics.


  • Zen garden: a Japanese-style garden that features sand or gravel raked into patterns to represent water, and rocks or other natural elements to create a tranquil and meditative atmosphere.




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