The Little French Garden Company
Tired of staring at your bland, uninspiring yard while scrolling through gorgeous French garden photos, wondering why your plants never look like that—and secretly fearing you'll waste money on another failed attempt? We understand that transforming a vision into reality can be daunting. That's why The Little French Garden Company is here to simplify the journey, taking you step-by-step from inspiration to implementation, breaking down complex techniques into joyful, manageable tasks. Soon, you'll be strolling through your own fragrant, effortlessly charming French cottage garden, a true sanctuary right at your doorstep.
Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice? We know how frustrating it is to invest time and money only to watch plants struggle. That's the pain we're here to eliminate. With our planning templates and step-by-step video tutorials, you'll make confident decisions from day one—avoiding costly mistakes and creating a thriving garden faster than you imagined possible.
Discover the Magic of French Cottage Gardens: Your Ultimate How-To Guide
Step into a world where romance meets rustic charm. French cottage gardens blend the elegance of Provence with practical beauty, creating enchanting outdoor spaces filled with fragrant blooms, climbing roses, and timeless appeal. Whether you're dreaming of transforming a small patio or designing an expansive garden retreat, The Little French Garden Company brings expert advice, inspiring tutorials, and curated resources to help you cultivate your own slice of French countryside magic.
eBooks & Printables
Why Choose a French Cottage Garden?
Timeless Charm
Embrace the romantic allure of fragrant old roses, billowing lavender hedges, and a symphony of colorful blooms that dance through the seasons. Each plant tells a story of French countryside elegance.
Beauty Meets Practicality
The perfect marriage of informal beauty and thoughtful design creates gardens that are both stunning and surprisingly easy to maintain. Nature's abundance with purposeful planning.
Adaptable to Any Space
From cozy urban patios to sprawling country yards, French cottage style scales beautifully. Bring the essence of Provence home regardless of your garden's size or location.
Worried your garden will look messy instead of magical? You're not alone. Many beginners fear their cottage garden will become an unruly tangle. Our design printables, eBooks, and YouTube tutorials show you exactly how to achieve that 'effortlessly beautiful' look—structured yet romantic, abundant yet manageable. The result? A garden that looks professionally designed, not chaotic.
Staring at your empty yard feeling paralyzed? We understand—starting feels overwhelming when you don't know what thrives where. Here's the truth: proper planning prevents years of frustration and wasted money.
Our Garden Planning Templates (available in our eBook collection) walks you through every decision, while our YouTube channel shows real examples of successful layouts. The transformation? You'll move from confused to confident, with a clear roadmap that saves you hundreds in trial-and-error purchases.
Getting Started: Planning Your French Cottage Garden
Assess Your Foundation
Understanding your space is the crucial first step. Begin by evaluating sunlight patterns throughout the day – observe how different areas receive full sun, partial shade, or full shade across various times and seasons. This dictates which plants will thrive where.
Next, test your soil composition using either a professional lab kit or a readily available home kit to determine its pH level and nutrient content; this insight is vital for amendments.
Map out drainage areas by observing where water pools after rainfall or irrigation; a simple percolation test can also reveal how quickly water drains, identifying potential soggy spots or overly dry zones.
Finally, create a harmonious layout by balancing plant heights, complementary colors, and varied textures. Consider focal points, winding pathways, and planting zones to guide the eye naturally through your garden, ensuring both beauty and practicality.
01
Select Classic French Plants
Choose varieties that thrive in your local climate while maintaining that quintessential French palette. Think climbing roses, towering delphiniums, cheerful cosmos, and aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and lavender. Research what grows best in your zone.
02
Design Pathways & Structures
Incorporate winding gravel paths, weathered stone pavers, and rustic wooden arbors that echo traditional French countryside architecture. These elements provide structure while maintaining the garden's relaxed, organic feel.
03
Layer for Visual Interest
Plan for staggered bloom times and varied plant heights. Place tall plants like hollyhocks at the back, mid-height perennials in the middle, and low-growing herbs or annuals along borders for dynamic, three-dimensional appeal.
Watching your plants struggle and not knowing why? The heartbreak of seeing beloved plants decline is real—and expensive. You deserve answers, not guesswork.
Our troubleshooting videos on The Little French Garden Company YouTube channel diagnose common issues with clear visual examples, while our free care checklists help you catch problems early. The change? You'll shift from reactive panic to proactive confidence, keeping your garden healthy and saving money on replacement plants.
Solving Common Problems: Keep Your Garden Healthy & Vibrant
The 3-Hour Garden Rule
Avoid midday gardening stress by working during the cooler morning hours or late afternoon. This protects both you and your plants from harsh sun exposure, reducing heat stress and dehydration. Your plants will thank you with stronger growth and fewer wilted leaves.
Natural Pest & Weed Control
Embrace companion planting strategies—marigolds deter aphids, nasturtiums repel squash bugs, and basil protects tomatoes. Layer organic mulches like straw or shredded leaves to suppress weeds naturally while enriching soil as they decompose.
Smart Watering Practices
Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root systems. Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficiency. Morning watering prevents fungal diseases while ensuring plants have moisture for hot afternoon hours.
Support Pollinators
Plant native wildflowers, leave some areas slightly wild, and avoid pesticides as much as possible. Create bee hotels and provide shallow water sources. Healthy pollinator populations lead to more abundant blooms and better vegetable yields throughout your garden.
The 3-Year Rule for Perennials: Patience Pays Off
Disappointed by sparse first-year results? We hear this constantly: 'I spent so much, but my garden looks bare!' Here's what nurseries don't always tell you—and what changes everything.
Understanding perennial growth patterns transforms frustration into anticipation. The old gardening wisdom—"first they sleep, then they creep, then they leap"—reveals nature's timeline for establishing robust, long-lived plants.
1
Year 1: Sleep
Roots establish quietly beneath the surface while foliage remains modest. Focus on consistent watering, quality soil preparation, and protecting young plants. Don't expect abundant blooms—underground development is the priority.
2
Year 2: Creep
Plants grow steadily with noticeably more foliage and initial flowering. Root systems expand significantly, creating the foundation for future abundance. Continue regular care and watch your garden gain momentum.
3
Year 3: Leap
Full, lush flowering and remarkable resilience emerge. Your garden truly comes alive with the spectacular displays you've been envisioning. Established perennials now require less intensive care while delivering maximum beauty.

Pro Tip: Divide overcrowded perennials in year 3 or 4 to rejuvenate plants and expand your garden. Spring or fall divisions ensure minimal stress and maximum success rates.
Our free Plant Tracking Journal (in the printables section) helps you document this journey, while our YouTube tutorials show real gardens as they progress. The result? You'll set realistic expectations, make smarter purchasing decisions, and celebrate progress instead of feeling discouraged.
French Cottage Garden Favorites: Plants That Bring Provençal Flair
Confused by endless plant options and afraid to choose wrong? Buying plants that don't suit your conditions is the #1 budget killer. We've curated this list so you can shop with confidence—every plant here thrives in typical cottage garden conditions.
Fragrant Lavender
Essential to any French garden, lavender hedges perfume the air while attracting bees and butterflies. 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead' varieties offer deep purple spikes and exceptional hardiness in various climates.
Romantic Roses
Old-fashioned varieties like 'Madame Alfred Carrière' and 'Pierre de Ronsard' deliver classic beauty. Climbing types create vertical drama on arbors, walls, and pergolas, dripping with fragrant blooms from late spring through autumn.
Climbing Beauties
Honeysuckle and sweet peas add vertical interest with intoxicating fragrances. Their twining growth softens structures while providing continuous blooms that pollinators adore throughout the growing season. Clematis is always beautiful.
The Potager Touch: Edible Beauty
Traditional French potager gardens seamlessly blend vegetables with ornamentals. Tuck heirloom tomatoes among delphiniums, let purple beans climb obelisks, and edge beds with curly parsley or chives. Zucchini's bold foliage adds texture, while French beans provide vertical interest.
This living garden approach delivers both harvests and visual delight, embodying the French philosophy that beauty and function should never be separated.
Download our Plant Selection Guide to match these beauties to your specific site, and watch our 'Choosing Plants for French Gardens' video series on YouTube for visual tours of each variety. The transformation? You'll invest wisely in plants that flourish, not flounder.
Easy-Care Tips for Beginners: Creating a Low-Maintenance Yet Abundant Garden
Worried you don't have time for a beautiful garden? The fear of creating a high-maintenance burden stops many dreamers. Here's the secret: smart design creates abundance without endless labor.
1
Curated, Not Crowded
Resist the temptation to overstuff beds. Proper spacing reduces competition for nutrients and water while minimizing weeding. Plants with room to breathe develop stronger, healthier growth and better disease resistance.
2
Embrace Self-Seeders
Welcome self-seeding annuals like cosmos, love-in-a-mist, and calendula. These generous plants fill gaps naturally over time, creating that coveted cottage garden abundance with minimal effort from you.
3
Add Simple Features
Incorporate weathered wooden benches, vintage watering cans, and rustic trellises. These elements enhance French charm while providing practical spots for relaxing and enjoying your garden sanctuary.
4
Stay Organized
Download our printable garden planner to track planting dates, bloom times, and care schedules. Staying organized prevents overwhelm and ensures your garden receives consistent attention throughout the seasons.
Our Year-Round Care Checklist (free printable) breaks tasks into manageable monthly actions, while our 'Low-Maintenance Techniques' YouTube playlist shows time-saving methods in action. The result? A stunning garden that fits your lifestyle, not overwhelms it—typically just a few hours weekly once established.
Learn better by watching than reading? We created our YouTube channel specifically for visual learners who need to see techniques in action. No more confusion.
Watch & Learn: Exclusive Video Tutorials
Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips
Unlock the secrets to a truly thriving French cottage garden with our exclusive video tutorials and accompanying eBooks. Our meticulously curated library offers an unparalleled depth of knowledge, delivered by an experienced gardener who shares years of hands-on experience and proven techniques.
You'll gain invaluable insights into everything from the art of meticulous planting and strategic seasonal pruning to fostering vibrant, year-round beauty. These resources are designed to transform your gardening journey, empowering you to cultivate confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve the abundant, picturesque garden you've always dreamed of, all from the comfort of your home.
Step-by-Step Tutorials
  • Planting bare-root roses correctly
  • Pruning lavender for maximum blooms
  • Dividing overcrowded perennials
  • Creating support structures for climbers
  • Propagating your favorite plants from cuttings
  • Troubleshooting common pest and disease issues
  • Winterizing your garden for healthy spring growth
Garden Tours & Inspiration
  • Virtual visits to authentic French potagers and gardens
  • Seasonal garden walk-throughs of my own garden in the Vienne region of France
  • Container garden ideas for small spaces
  • Color combination masterclasses
  • Designing a fragrant herb garden
  • Creating pathways and seating areas
  • Integrating water features for tranquility
Bonus Content
  • Bouquet arranging techniques
  • DIY rustic garden décor projects
  • Harvesting and preserving herbs
  • Quick maintenance tips and tricks
  • Composting basics for a healthy soil
  • Attracting beneficial insects to your garden
  • French inspired seasonal recipe ideas from your harvest

New videos added weekly! Subscribe to receive notifications when fresh content drops, including exclusive member-only newsletters and seasonal inspiration guides.
Subscribe to The Little French Garden Company on YouTube for weekly tutorials that answer your exact questions. From planting techniques to seasonal care, we show you every step. The change? You'll gain skills confidently, avoiding the expensive mistakes. Plus, all our videos reference our free printables, as well as paid and free eBooks—use them together for maximum success.
Shop Our French Cottage Garden Collection
Transform your gardening dreams into reality with our expertly crafted resources. Each product is designed to guide, inspire, and organize your journey toward creating an enchanting French cottage garden that reflects your personal style.
Tired of piecing together random advice from dozens of sources? We've been there—the overwhelm of contradictory information wastes time and money. That's why we at The Little French Garden Company created comprehensive, coordinated resources that work together seamlessly.
Comprehensive eBooks
Downloadable guides packed with expert advice, detailed planting schedules, design blueprints, and troubleshooting solutions. Written by an experienced gardener who understands the nuances of creating authentic French-inspired spaces.
Printable Planners
Beautiful, functional planners, seasonal checklists, and garden journals keep you organized and motivated throughout the year. Track blooms, plan succession plantings, and record your garden's evolution.
Premium Video Series
Exclusive access to our complete video library with in-depth tutorials and bonus content. Members receive early access to new releases and special seasonal workshops.
Each eBook relates to printables and links to relevant YouTube tutorials—everything connects to guide you from planning through planting to maintenance. The result? A cohesive system that eliminates confusion and costly missteps, typically saving gardeners $300-500 in first-year mistakes alone.
"These resources transformed my overgrown yard into the French cottage garden I'd always dreamed of. The step-by-step guidance gave me confidence, and the planners kept me on track through every season."
— Marie T., California
"As a complete beginner, I was overwhelmed, but the video tutorials made everything so clear. I've now got a charming little French-inspired corner, and I'm genuinely proud of it!"
— Liam P., Manchester, UK
"My small urban balcony felt impossible to transform, but the container garden ideas and pruning tips from the eBooks helped me create a beautiful, fragrant French escape right outside my apartment door. Highly recommend!"
— Sofia R., Denver, Colorado
Join Our Gardening Community: Grow Your Dream Together
Feeling alone in your gardening journey? Mistakes feel so much worse when you have no one to ask. You need a community that understands your challenges and celebrates your wins.
You're not alone on this gardening journey. Our vibrant and supportive community is the perfect place to exchange invaluable tips, celebrate your green-thumb successes, troubleshoot common challenges, and find endless inspiration to nurture your dream garden. From novice planters to seasoned horticulturists, everyone finds a welcoming space to grow and learn.
Discover new ideas, gain practical advice, and build lasting friendships with fellow enthusiasts dedicated to creating enchanting, French-inspired outdoor spaces. Share your unique experiences and watch your garden — and your confidence — flourish.
Our community members get early access to new YouTube tutorials, printable templates, and direct answers to their questions. The transformation? You'll shift from isolated trial-and-error to supported success—learning from others' experiences and sharing your own victories. Join gardeners who've turned their dream gardens into reality with our guidance.
Connect & Share in Our Vibrant Forums
Dive into our active online community where members enthusiastically post garden progress photos, share detailed before-and-after transformations, swap plant recommendations for specific climates, and offer encouragement through every season. Engage in lively discussions on topics like organic pest control, soil health, plant identification, and seasonal care. Share your triumphs, seek advice on tricky issues, and learn directly from experienced gardeners who've successfully cultivated authentic French cottage gardens for years.
Showcase Your Garden & Get Featured
We believe every gardener's story is unique and inspiring. Share your garden's transformation journey – from initial concept to flourishing reality – and get featured in our exclusive member newsletter. Participate in our "Garden of the Month" spotlights or submit photos for our seasonal showcases. Inspire others with your dedication and creativity, celebrating how far your French cottage garden has come. Your passion and progress deserve to be recognized and celebrated!
Exclusive Resource Library
Gain instant access to a growing collection of resources, including advanced planting guides, curated plant lists for authentic French varieties, printable garden design templates, and step-by-step troubleshooting manuals. Our library is continuously updated with new content, ensuring you always have the latest expert knowledge at your fingertips to refine your gardening skills and expand your botanical horizons.
Start Your Journey Today
Imagine transforming your outdoor space into a fragrant, colorful haven, reminiscent of a charming French countryside escape. Whether you're a complete beginner eager to plant your first seed, or an experienced gardener seeking fresh inspiration and a community of like-minded individuals, we provide everything you need to cultivate the French cottage garden of your dreams. Embrace the joy of gardening with confidence, knowledge, and unparalleled support.
Your Essential French Cottage Garden Planning Template
Starting without a plan leads to expensive regrets. We've seen it countless times—gardeners spend hundreds on impulse purchases that don't work together or suit their space. This free template prevents that heartache.
Transform your gardening dreams into a thriving reality with our comprehensive French Cottage Garden Planning Template. Designed to keep you organized and inspired, this template guides you through every step of creating and maintaining your enchanting outdoor space. From initial sketches to seasonal care, we’ve bundled all the tools you need for a picturesque, productive garden.
Download this free printable now and watch our 'How to Use the Planning Template' video on The Little French Garden Company YouTube channel. The result? You'll create a cohesive design that maximizes your budget, with every plant purchase purposeful and every dollar well-spent. Most users report this template alone saves them $200-400 in avoided mistakes.
Garden Layout & Design
Visualize your dream garden with dedicated sections for layout sketches, plant placement, and architectural elements. For ready-made solutions, explore our online planting and landscape plans available for both shade and sun gardens. These planting plans and guides take the guesswork out of choosing the right plant for the right space.
Plant Tracking & Bloom Schedules
Stay on top of your planting cycles with our intuitive plant tracking pages. Record monthly sowing and transplanting schedules, monitor germination progress, and chart the bloom times of your favorite varieties. A dedicated bloom calendar helps ensure continuous color and fragrance throughout the seasons, capturing the essence of a true French cottage garden.
Seasonal Care Checklists
Never miss a crucial task with our comprehensive seasonal care checklists. From spring pruning and summer feeding to autumn tidying and winter protection, these guides ensure your garden receives the attention it needs year-round. Includes tips for organic pest management, watering regimes, and soil enrichment tailored to classic cottage garden flora.
Observations & Ideas Journal
Document your garden's journey, capture observations, and jot down new ideas. This section is perfect for recording plant performance, noting successful combinations, tracking weather impacts, and reflecting on your personal gardening growth. It’s your space to experiment, learn, and continuously refine your French-inspired haven.
Our planning template is more than just a notebook; it's a companion designed to simplify the complex art of gardening, making the journey to your dream French cottage garden enjoyable and rewarding. Get organized, stay inspired, and watch your outdoor space blossom with charm and beauty.
Your Year-Round French Cottage Garden Care Checklist
Cultivating a flourishing French cottage garden is a delightful journey that spans all four seasons. Our detailed monthly checklist ensures you're always one step ahead, providing timely guidance on essential tasks for your roses, lavender, herbs, and other beloved cottage garden flora.
Following a seasonal schedule is key to unlocking your garden's full potential, ensuring consistent growth, vibrant blooms, and robust health by addressing the specific needs of your plants throughout the year.
This comprehensive checklist is specially curated to demystify gardening, offering not just a list of tasks, but a strategic roadmap tailored to the unique rhythms of a cottage garden. It empowers you to approach each season with confidence, simplifying complex routines into manageable steps, and helping you nurture your garden to its full, enchanting potential!
Forgetting crucial seasonal tasks costs you blooms and plant health. Missing the right timing for pruning, feeding, or dividing can set your garden back an entire year. You need a simple system to stay on track.
January & February: Winter Planning & Dormancy
  • Review garden plans and dream of new additions.
  • Order seeds for spring planting.
  • Perform dormant pruning on roses and fruit trees.
  • Clean and sharpen gardening tools.
Notes: __________________________________________________
March & April: Spring Awakening
  • Begin spring garden clean-up: remove debris, cut back dead perennials.
  • Prepare garden beds with compost and organic matter.
  • Plant hardy annuals and perennials (e.g., hollyhocks, delphiniums).
  • Feed roses with a balanced fertilizer.
Notes: __________________________________________________
May & June: Peak Bloom & Planting
  • Plant tender annuals (e.g., cosmos, sweet peas) after last frost.
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers.
  • Prune lavender after its first flush of flowers.
  • Monitor for pests and diseases, addressing organically.
Notes: __________________________________________________
July & August: Summer Maintenance & Harvest
  • Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells.
  • Harvest herbs and edible flowers regularly for best flavor.
  • Continue deadheading for continuous color.
  • Perform a second, lighter pruning on lavender if needed.
Notes: __________________________________________________
September & October: Autumn Transition
  • Begin autumn garden clean-up: remove spent annuals, tidy beds.
  • Plant spring-flowering bulbs (e.g., tulips, daffodils).
  • Divide overcrowded perennials.
  • Apply a final rose feed to encourage hardening off for winter.
Notes: __________________________________________________
November & December: Winter Prep & Reflection
  • Apply mulch to protect sensitive plants from winter cold.
  • Ensure all tools are cleaned, dried, and stored.
  • Review the past year's garden performance and make notes for next season.
  • Enjoy the quiet beauty of your dormant garden.
Notes: __________________________________________________
Grab this free printable checklist and pair it with our 'Seasonal Garden Tasks' video series on YouTube, where we show you exactly what each task looks like and when to do it. The change? You'll move from reactive ('Why isn't this blooming?') to proactive, with a thriving garden that performs beautifully year after year. Print it, check it off, and watch your garden flourish.
This checklist is designed to adapt to your local climate and specific garden needs. Use the "Notes" sections to personalize your tasks, track your progress, and celebrate every small victory in your gardening journey!
Your Plant Tracking & Record-Keeping Journal
Forgetting what you planted where—and when—leads to repeated mistakes. Without records, you'll buy the same underperformer twice or forget which variety thrived. This journal is your garden's memory.
Keep a detailed history of each cherished plant in your French cottage garden. This dedicated tracking template helps you monitor growth, celebrate blooms, document care, and evaluate performance, ensuring every plant thrives and contributes to your garden's enchanting beauty. Turn your observations into a roadmap for gardening success!
Plant Information
Plant Name: _________________________
Variety: _________________________
Planting Date: _________________________
Location: _________________________
Growth Progress Log
  • Date: _____, Observation: _____, Height/Spread: _____
  • Date: _____, Observation: _____, Height/Spread: _____
  • Date: _____, Observation: _____, Height/Spread: _____
Bloom & Harvest Schedule
  • First Bloom: _________________________
  • Peak Bloom Period: _________________________
  • Harvest Dates: _________________________
Care & Maintenance Notes
  • Watering Regime: _________________________
  • Fertilizing Schedule: _________________________
  • Pruning Details: _________________________
  • Pest/Disease Control: _________________________
Performance Evaluation
Overall Health: _________________________
Yield/Bloom Quality: _________________________
Lessons Learned for Next Season: _________________________
This individual plant record template empowers you to become a more mindful and effective gardener. By documenting each plant's unique journey, you'll gain invaluable insights into its specific needs, refine your techniques, and cultivate an even more vibrant and rewarding French cottage garden year after year.
Detailed tracking allows you to observe patterns in growth, bloom times, and pest resilience, turning anecdotal experiences into concrete data. For instance, you might discover that your 'Gertrude Jekyll' rose consistently performs better with a specific organic feed applied in early spring, or that your 'Hidcote' lavender benefits from a harder prune after its first flush. This knowledge is crucial for optimizing care routines, adapting to microclimates within your garden, and understanding which plant varieties truly thrive in your conditions.
Ultimately, the resources provided by The Little French Garden Company serves as a strategic roadmap for future garden planning and success. It helps you make informed decisions about new plant selections, identify areas for improvement, and replicate successful outcomes across your entire garden. By transforming observations into actionable insights, you'll foster a deeper connection with your plants and ensure your garden flourishes with enchanting beauty and health.
Download this free tracking template and watch our 'Garden Record-Keeping Made Easy' tutorial on YouTube. The result? You'll make increasingly smart decisions each season, building on successes and avoiding past failures.
After just one year of tracking, you'll garden with the wisdom of someone with decades of experience—because you'll have data, not just guesswork.
Meet Lisa: Your French Cottage Garden Guide
Bonjour! I'm Lisa, and my love affair with French cottage gardening blossomed during my years living amidst the enchanting landscapes of the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France.
I created The Little French Garden Company because I lived your frustrations. The wasted money on wrong plants. The confusion from conflicting advice. The disappointment of sparse results. I knew there had to be a better way.
More recently, I found and purchased my own piece of French history: a charming 150-year-old Georgian-style home, complete with a delightful garden, nestled in the picturesque Vienne. Inspired by the timeless beauty surrounding me, I've poured countless hours into cultivating my own enchanting garden oasis. Now, I'm passionate about sharing that joy and hard-won knowledge, ready to help you create your very own slice of French paradise.
My gardening philosophy is deeply rooted in nurturing vibrant ecosystems, celebrating the fleeting beauty of seasonal blooms, and designing spaces that effortlessly evoke charm and tranquility. I truly believe gardening is a beautiful conversation with nature—a rewarding practice in patience, creativity, and sustainability. Let's embark on this journey and grow something truly beautiful together!
Now, through our free printables, comprehensive eBooks, and step-by-step YouTube tutorials, I'm sharing everything I wish I'd known when starting. My mission? To help you create your dream garden intelligently—avoiding the costly mistakes I made and achieving beautiful results faster than you thought possible.
Start with our free resources today: Download the planning templates, subscribe to The Little French Garden Company on YouTube, and join our community. Your French cottage garden journey begins now—and you won't walk it alone.