The classic English cottage garden design is famous for its dense, romantic, and informal planting. However, in the West of Ireland, high rainfall and heavy soils can make traditional cottage plants rot or collapse. To achieve this look in Leitrim, we must choose rain-tolerant alternatives.
Instead of delicate delphiniums, choose our hardened *Delphinium ‘Black Knight’* or tall, self-supporting *Verbena bonariensis*. Use *Alchemilla mollis* and *Geranium ‘Rozanne’* as groundcover to smother weeds and spill over paths. Plant native Foxgloves, Aquilegia, and Yarrow to fill vertical spaces. This creates a dense, colorful, and wild display that handles our damp winters beautifully.