Wildflower gardens

A few years ago, several of the National Trust estates developed stunning wildflower beds.

I loved the one at Hanbury Hall, but my favourite was always at Calke Abbey. The gardeners worked so hard to maintain the illusion, sold on seed packets, that all you needed to do was throw a packet of seeds where you wanted it, and wait.

Having seen the various stages of preparation at Calke, I soon realised how much work they involve to make them the immaculate, picture postcard displays.

This year, it’s very different at Calke. Apart from the absence of butterflies, the area is still so full of wildflowers, plus alliums, but there’s a natural approach. And wildflowers are all over the meadow areas - a stunning profusion of clover, buttercups and yellow rattle. 

I love both.