Each bed in the cottage garden should have a theme or a common feature. Some of the beds may be timed so that all, or the majority of, the plants burst into flower at the same time. The garden will consist of a series of 'time-capsules' to be activated by the natural calendar during the months of the year. Other beds may consist of plants which have something in common - a bed made up of just plants with variegated leaves can give the most startling effect during those parts of the flowering season when there is fewer colours, but when the weather will still encourage us to enjoy our gardens. Other beds may be given over to growing those subjects which will attract wildlife.
