The Cottage Garden got it's start in England in the Medieval Age when Kings ruled the land and Serfs worked for them. The Kings offered each Serf a small cottage to live in while they worked for them and a small yard/garden space outside the cottage.
This small space was so they could grow herbs for medicinal use, vegetables to eat, flowers for beauty, and fruit trees such as apples, pears, and grapes. I think they probably grew roses so they could collect the hips for tea, and Camomile for tea.
They could tend this small plot as they desired and they packed every square inch of plants into that small garden. They could build a fence around it too. I imagine that they made a wattle fence, and I think they grew foods that they could dry out and preserve for the winter.
The Cottage Garden has always been my favorite. Perennials are ideal for the Cottage Garden because they give forth flowers for years. Good value, lasting value.
The Monasteries also grew Cottage Gardens. They were a very important cause of plants and gardens becoming established all over England, and then all over the world. I am so glad that they gardened and grafted and learned all that they could to promote good health and well-being. I am also thankful that they studied plants and passed on knowledge to others.
with what Cinda said! I love it when the garden is just brimming full of different flowers. Why wouldn't the Hummers love it? It's a Smorgasbord 
