First things first, you’re probably thinking, “Hold up, you said Cottagecore?”
Don’t worry, we’re going to put this bad boy in reverse for just a second.
If you have ever ventured into the uncharted territory that is TikTok, the viral app that has gen Z and millennials alike pouring their hearts and souls into 15-60 second videos, you’ve probably seen quite a bit of content related to Cottagecore.
If not, or maybe you have, but you still don’t quite understand what the whole “Cottagecore” situation is all about, we’re going to dive into it.
Cottagecore, otherwise known as Farmcore or Countrycore, is an aesthetic inspired by a romanticized take on traditional western agricultural life. Centralized around the idea of a simplified lifestyle, free of unnecessary distractions and worldly possessions. It focuses more on harmonizing oneself with nature as opposed to the modern sense of life we see today.
There’s certainly a bit of homage to pay towards the British Romantics as well if you ask me.
These core aesthetics seem to align quite well with the ideals of Romantic poets such as John Keats who famously wrote:
"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core"
Cottagecore is often compared to similar aesthetics such as “Grandmacore,” “Naturecore,” “Honeycore,” and “Warmcore.”
While there are many individual themes within this aesthetic, we’re going to focus on gardening, because let’s face it, it’s just more fun, isn’t it?
Here are 5 Ways to Keep your Garden on Trend Cottagecore Style!
1. Plant an Herb Garden
New to growing herbs?
The most important factor to consider when starting an herb garden is location, location, location!
While most herbs will prefer a location that provides ample sunshine (so long as the summer temps don’t rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit), be sure to pay close attention to the needs of whichever herbs you choose to plant and plan accordingly.
If your area does tend to have hot summers, consider planting your new herbs in an area that gets good morning sun and cool afternoon shade.
Prepare the soil: Use a garden fork to loosen up your soil a bit. This will allow for better drainage and give the roots an easier time of reaching their desired depth.
Hydrate: Water your herbs once they become dry. Most herbs will like a little drink as soon as the soil below the surface is dry to the touch. Check your soil often!
2. Wildflowers
Whether you’re looking to fully embrace yourself in the Cottagecore aesthetic or simply dip a few toes in, wildflowers are going to be your new best friend.
How lucky are we, right!?
Even better, according to americanmedows.com, Fall is for Planting Wildflowers!
What impeccable timing.
As always, specific planting instructions will be contingent on whatever flowers you so choose, but here are some basic steps you should be prepared to follow:
- Identify the best season to plant wildflowers in your area.
- Prepare your planting site for seeding.
- Scatter your wildflower seeds.
- Compress your seeds into the soil.
- Wait for blooms!
3. Garden Gnomes
Garden gnomes, elves, and magical creatures are an essential piece of the Cottagecore aesthetic.
The aesthetic plants its roots firmly in the viral video game that made its comeback in 2019, Animal Crossing. Originally released in 2001, the Nintendo social simulation video game series, filled with lively, big-eyed little animal characters living in an enchanted forest.
The game itself, as well as the Cottagecore aesthetic, bring focus back to a natural world free of the looming fear of climate change, global warming, and overall environmental destruction.
4. Preserve Your Fresh Flowers
If you’re looking for a new hobby that coincides with your passion for living an idealistic, back to basics life, (and since you’re now the successful grower of fresh wildflowers), this is for you.
Depending on the type of flower, there are several different techniques for drying flowers.
A few tips:
- Cut your flowers before they are fully open to help retain better color when they begin the drying process.
- If you are planning on using the hanging method, gather your flowers into small bundles or individually hang them upside down on a clothes hanger. Leave them hanging in your closet for a few weeks for best results.
- If you just want to preserve the flower, pressing is the way to go. Cut your flowers right before they reach their peak bloom in the morning after all dew has had a chance to evaporate. Line the flowers on newspaper, plain, white paper, tissues, or blotting paper (pretty much any paper that can absorb moisture) and place another sheet on top. Next, place the flowers in a book and close the book. It’s a good idea to stack a few books on top of the book containing the flowers. This method will also take a few weeks.
Place your newly dried flowers in a vase or a picture frame to hang on the wall!
5. Plant Fresh Greenery
We’re looking to go fresh and natural, right? What’s more fresh and natural than planting fresh greens?
Any of your favorite green plants will work perfectly and contrast beautifully with your fresh wildflowers once they begin to bloom.
Head on over to your local gardening store and check out their inventory.
Chat with a profession to help you figure out the direction you want to take and what to consider in terms of care!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget about grasses (there are so many to choose from)!
Bonus: Indoor Plants
Of course, we couldn’t even fathom leaving out houseplants.
Not only do they purify the air in your home, but honestly, is your Cottagecore aesthetic truly complete without a few snake plants scattered about?
New to houseplants? Check out our plant guide specifically written for new plant-parents: 5 Indoor Houseplants for the Brown Thumb!
An old pro looking for fresh inspo? This one’s just for you: 5 Unique Houseplants for the Green Thumb!
Happy Gardening!
