Entertaining In The Garden

We’re getting ready for parties in the garden. There’s a large family celebration, with a marquee, and also suppers with friends.

Last weekend, we set up our dining table on the lawn, near the main flower border, rather than eating on the terrace. It felt really special to be surrounded by plants.

I can recommend experimenting with eating in different parts of the garden – put the table under a tree if it’s hot, or at the other end of the garden for a new view.

We could never grow enough flowers to decorate a marquee, and we want flowers in the garden, too. So we’re buying cut flowers by the bucket from a local grower, Anna’s Country Flowers in Chilham, Kent.

Local flowers last longer because they haven’t been flown round the world. Many British flower farmers do Pick Your Own (usually around £25 per bucket). Find one near you on www.flowersfromthefarm.co.uk or through www.thebritishflowercollective.com or www.britishflowersweek.com.