Wild in the Country, Derbyshire; the perfect flower plot

For owner Gill Bragshawe growing flowers is a passion. Her small rectangular plot in Derbyshire is devoted to growing flowers and foliage for cutting. Sweet pea, rose, larkspur, cornflower, nigella, ammi – all the florist’s favourites can be found here. Enjoy a little taste of what you can expect when Wild in the Country opens for the National Garden Scheme as Gill introduces you to her cutting garden.

A closer look…

Gill’s planting is largely in raised beds that are designed for maximum productivity, ease of cutting and maintenance. Three foot wide paths between the beds provide an opportunity to get up close to the flowers, to smell the perfume and admire the bees and butterflies. The twenty beds are built in a North – South orientation to give the flowers equal sunlight and to encourage straight growth.

“I aim to have flowers throughout the year and although I originally planted in blocks of the same flower or plant, now I mix up the colour and form and allow self-seeding,” says Gill. “There are also climbing roses on a south facing wall under planted with herbs.”

Her beautiful, seasonal flowers are mainly cut to order, creating beautiful bouquets and displays for local people.

“It’s lovely sharing the garden with visitors, and chatting over the wall with passers-by. Many become customers, then regulars and then friends,” she adds.

Lead image: Gill’s ‘Shedquarters’ – potting shed, office and shop