You have a great idea and it does not need to cost much I would start by giving it a good dig over and get rid of weeds leaving any plants. Then look at packets of wild flower and cottage garden seeds you get a good mix in those. Bedding plants start at about £3 for 6-8 plants. Also look on your local 'Freecycle' you may see plants offered free? Look in local papers Friday Ad as Schools and locals organisations etc may have plant sales which may be cheaper? Hollyhock and Foxglove will flower next year. As will most seeds now? Do you know any gardeners they will often pass on a plant or seeds?

Thanks Drc726.. very encouraging x How can I make sure I have flowers this year ? We may be moving at the end of this year.

ps I was thinking of all the tall cottage plants at the back getting smaller towards the front.

Sugarbevs don't sow your seeds in rows in you want a cottage garden look as that will look to formal. If you want colour for this summer you will need bedding plants and annuals as perennials grown from seed will not flower this year. Try your local 'Freecycle' as Drc suggests. Don't use weed killer if you want to keep your toad happy.

Thanks Moongrower,,,, can I get tall plants like hollyhocks and foxgloves bedding plants for flowering this season ?

You can certainly buy lupins as fully grown plants Lidl was selling a few weeks ago so check there and at Aldi. Next stop somewhere like Poundland - you'll be amazed at the amount of stuff they sell at just £1. The GC will have all sorts of plants tall and short which will flower this year it really depends on how much you want to spend and how big the area is

Bless you, thanks Moongrower..hadn't thought of Lidl and Poundland... will try them..... I love Lupins... it isn't a huge patch by any means .. will try and estimate it after the schoool run.