Seasonal Fruit and Vegetables

by Jacqui Priestley

Once upon a time, we were tiny humans listening to stories about woodland folk who lived in cosy thatch cottages and found wild berries and mushrooms to eat in the forest. That blissful feeling can be ours even as overly stressed adults, simply by accenting our home with the flowers of cottagecore: sublime arrangements of blooms that speak of country roads, cosy fireside, and cottage gardens.

Cottagecore, a design aesthetic and lifestyle trend is all about the quest for natural surroundings that make you happy and reduce feelings of anxiety. It embraces a life that is harmonious yet floral, serene yet colourful, simple yet lush. Certain flowers hold the magic key to the cottagecore look, from alstroemeria (Peruvian lilies) to sunflowers. They cheered us in the picture books of our childhood and now they evoke the wonder and contentment of pastoral life within our homes and office spaces.

Quintessential Flowers You’ll Love

Which of the cottagecore flowers speak to our quest for a simple, comfortable, and oh-so-beautiful life? They are the ones that you can picture growing in the abundant gardens you’ve always wanted - fortunately, there are many blooms to fill the bill! Garden roses, tulips, dahlias, hydrangeas, and spray roses all possess a vintage flair, and appeal to those who enjoy a traditional old-world style.

Daisies: They are a quintessential country flower that can make an old coffee can look divine. Though they and are equally gorgeous gussied up and throw joy to any environment.

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Delphiniums: Although they come in a variety of colours, delphinium flowers are best known for their blue, a dramatic deep periwinkle that is virtually irresistible. The blossoms are dainty and droopy, matching perfectly with other classic flowers like roses, alstroemeria, and carnations.

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Hydrangeas: They are the fluffiest blooms in the garden, typically presenting in hues of sky blue and rose pink. They grow generously in all kinds of gardens and conditions; the perfect companion to cottage life. Surround one large bloom with a handful of smaller flowers for an instant bedside or bathroom arrangement. They’re so immediately joyful, you can even arrange hydrangeas on their own!

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Roses: Hands down the most beloved flower on Earth, roses never stop delighting with their amazing softness and unique shape. You always know it’s a rose no matter who you are or where you come from, and that familiarity is what cottagecore comfort is all about. And that scent!

Lilacs: Lilac shrubs have been prized for both their fragrance, and colour, since ancient Greek times. They were often planted around homesteads, and today, more than a century later, the same hardy shrubs can be spotted long after the farmhouse itself has disappeared. Lilacs speak of oldfashioned backyard gardens, with a small table set for tea. →

Snapdragons: Another old-fashioned staple, snapdragons are ideal cottagecore blooms. They come in an astonishing variety of colours and feature bell-shaped flowers that cluster in abundance at the head of the stem. Snapdragons add a bit of height to rounded bouquets for a hand-gathered effect.

Does this sound like the look and lifestyle you love? There are lots of ways to enjoy the cottagecore life, starting with simple floral arrangements that enhance your home and even your office cubicle. Live your best cottagecore life and you’ll find yourself stopping to smell the roses much more often!