Mary Berry, the renowned British baker and TV personality, shares her expertise on summer gardening, offering a delightful guide to 12 top flowers to grow. Berry's approach to gardening is all about creating interest and color throughout the year, and summer is no exception. She emphasizes the importance of having something to bring into the house, taking advantage of the season's abundance of colorful plants.
One of Berry's recommended plants is the Astrantia, a perennial with interesting flowers that resemble pincushions. She praises its ease of growth and hardiness, noting that it thrives in both sun and light shade. Berry also highlights the importance of deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Another favorite is the Cosmos bipinnatus, a dwarf variety that produces large, daisy-like flowers in a range of colors. Berry appreciates its compact size and ease of growth from seed.
Berry's love for Heuchera 'Plum Pudding' is evident, describing it as a plant that spreads well and fills gaps in the garden with its dark leaves. She also praises the Phlox paniculata 'White Admiral' for its long-lasting flowers and low maintenance. The Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' is another favorite, with its soft, silver-grey foliage, although Berry admits she usually cuts off the flowers.
The Verbena rigida, a low-growing verbena, is highly regarded for its bright purple flowers and ability to withstand dry conditions. Berry also recommends Veronica, a hardy and low-maintenance plant that can grow in various conditions. The Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist' is another favorite, with its intense blue flowers and sturdy stems.
Berry's guide also includes the Mandevilla sanderi, a tropical climber with vibrant pink-red flowers, and Ammi majus, an annual that adds a touch of elegance to the garden. The Geranium 'Rozanne' is praised for its long flowering period and ease of growth, while the Geum 'Pink Petticoats' is admired for its double, frilly-edged pink flowers.
Throughout her guide, Berry emphasizes the importance of trying new plants and embracing the challenges of late summer and early autumn gardening. She encourages readers to experiment with different varieties and enjoy the rewards of a vibrant garden, offering a unique perspective that combines personal experience with practical gardening advice.
