Gardener kept in dark over display

Closely guarded royal wedding details remain secret, with even the gardener kept in the dark about how his flowers will be displayed on the big day.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have chosen white Mayflower and Dusky Cranesbill geraniums grown in the Royal Parks nursery in Hyde Park.

Nursery manager Mike Jones said he does not know where floral designer Philippa Craddock will use his flowers, so will be trying to spot them as he watches the wedding on TV.

“We don’t know where they’re going to be, so we’ll be eagerly looking out ourselves to see where they are,” Mr Jones said.

Asked if he felt under pressure, the 58-year-old from Leamington Spa said: “We do, because we really want it to be the best we can possibly do.”

It is thought the flowers between 150 and 200 individual plants - will be incorporated into Ms Craddock’s displays in and around St George’s Chapel which will feature white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves.

Branches of beech, birch and hornbeam will also be used, with the locally sourced foliage coming from the gardens and parkland of The Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park.

Mr Jones said geraniums “add a splash of colour”, adding: “They live for years so they will grow all summer, flower all summer, die down in the winter, and then come back again the following year, so very good value.”

The gardener said they were ideal for “a relaxed look”.

Asked if the flowers will be getting special treatment in the coming days, he said: “They’ll be getting a lot of TLC. We’ll be making sure they’re watered well, making sure they’re protected, and making sure that the flowers stay in the perfect condition for the day.”

Gardener Mike Jones will be watching for his flowers.