Seaside Garden for Rockport Antique

This rustic cottage located in Rockport MA sits on a tiny lot and is sited very close to the road. Previous owners had allowed the vegetation in front of the cottage to take over the tiny entry way garden, giving the cottage a semi-abandoned look and feel in an effort to create a sense of privacy.

The new owner desired a more welcoming entry garden area that would be in keeping with the historic setting. As the cottage is only a part-time residence, achieving a low maintenance garden that could withstand the harsh wind, sun, and salt conditions was imperative.

The unruly hedge, consisting of a tangle of various invasive shrubs, was removed and replaced with a low traditional cedar picket fence to create a more subtle separation between private and public spaces. High maintenance grass was removed and replaced with low maintenance ornamental plantings and attractive stone groundcover. Through careful excavation, we discovered an old brick walkway and lovely granite boulders that were then incorporated into the final design.

The result is a charming cottage garden entryway that is able to survive weeks on end without any tending or supplemental watering. This historically inspired cottage garden looks great throughout the seasons due to the interplay of stone, shrubbery, spring bulbs, and exuberant perennials.