IN gardening circles, we hear a lot about the so-called cottage garden

layout.

The theory is that we want a beautiful, colourful, nostalgic image --

pure magic, in other words.

The reality is different. The mixed border usually means herbaceous

plants, shrubs, roses and annuals, and items like gladioli and dahlias

-- plus vegetables and herbs.

All very fascinating. So long as you do not have an outbreak of couch

grass. Shrubs are on site for years at a time.

Next comes the wild flower area. Red poppies are very striking,

especially with white gowans next to them. By all means, try out a small

area of buttercups.

And if you want to encourage butterflies, one of the best plants would

be perennial nettles. Frankly, I would not suggest you go that far.

On the other hand, sedum, golden rod, Michaelmas daisies or buddleia

can all do the attracting trick very successfully. They are the

civilised face of butterfly plants.

Of course there is the ''climber in the old apple tree'' syndrome.

Never plant a strong climber like celastrus near a young laburnum, as I

did. The weight pulled the tree off the vertical.

Possibly the best tree climber is the rose, Kiftsgate. Other varieties

are suitable also. I hammer galvanised staples into the tree trunk, to

tie on the young shoots.

Vegetables can work in a cottage garden. I found the best were things

like beet for foliage, broad beans, and of course globe artichokes.

If there are a few annual weeds, you murmur: ''Wild flowers and

environmental area.'' The effect can be pure magic.