Cottage container gardening questions.?

Different flowers have different cycles. Research each plant for proper care.

These sites should give you all the info you will need on a container flower garden.

http://www.ehow.com/info_8071435_flowers-grow-well...

http://www.container-gardening-tips.com/container-...

http://www.gardenguides.com/container-flowers/

I cannot speak to your region of the world, I live in North Carolina, but I can speak to the concept of a cottage garden. First of all, it is what you want to make of it. If you want a wow - bloom all at one time punch than you should go for it. It will be a remarkable experience during the brief time when it is blooming. I have seen this be most effective with a flower area that actually draws people from other areas of town just to see your flowers. On the other hand, you might prefer to have some flowers throughout the growing season. I have also used this technique effectively. A little bit of color throughout the year can be a real delight, especially if you can bring in cut flowers year round. As for what to use in your cottage garden, that is also not set in stone. If you like sunflowers than plant them. They can be a lovely blooming addition and they add the interest factor of inviting birds to your garden. If you do not want tall plants, than simply look for dwarf varieties. Also, don't forget that color can be obtained from foliage as well as flower. If you have periods of non-flowering, you can add bright colored foliage. This needs to be considered at to time of year as well in that many colorful foliage plants have seasons of bright color.