‘Bewitched by Cornish wildflowers!’
The first plant I ever grew
When I was about 11 years old I helped my father on his vegetable garden. He gave me a rough patch of ground where I grew lemon balm and nasturtiums. Pressing wild flowers was also an important part of my early experiences.
The plant that shaped the gardener I am today
Using herbs in cookery was a great inspiration. I used to go looking for unusual ones in the Indian shops around London. I also used to grow them in containers in the small garden of my city house.
My favourite plant
It has to be scented roses. I particularly love Rosa mundi for its scent and colour. It’s at the centre of my main herb garden. Roses like this are not only attractive, but they’re also perfect for cooking, making rose petal jam or for puddings.
The plants that changed my life
When walking through the coastal lanes of St Mawes in Cornwall I was bewitched by the spring wildflowers in the lanes, such as pink campion, bluebells and white hedge parsley, my particular favourite.
The plant that made me work hardest
As with many gardeners, it’s bindweed. It really is a pest. I excavated an old pond full of soil, but didn’t notice the tell-tale white roots. I spread the soil around the garden and the bindweed went with it!
The plant I’d like to grow more of
I love to have white flowers in the garden, which set off other stronger colours. I really love the spires of white foxgloves erupting through shrubs, roses and larger perennials.
The plant I am in human form
I’d definitely be a rose. Besides colour and scent, they’ve got a fascinating history and many practical and culinary uses which I hope I have, too!
The plant I’d always give as a gift
I always give away herbs as a present, and I’m responsible for spreading some of them all over the Cotswolds. Chervil, lovage and especially sorrel are among my favourites. I use sorrel every day and even use it to make a delicious ice cream.