intricate detail

The lawn daisy is one familiar variety of Bellis perrenis, of which many cultivars have been developed. The name daisy is believed to be a corruption of ‘day’s eye’ because the whole head closes at night and opens in the morning. The flowerheads are composite consisting of many stalkless flowers with ray florets and yellow disc florets. Each inflorescence is borne on a single leafless stem. The capitulum, or disc of florets, is surrounded by two rows of green bracts known as phyllaries. The density of the slim, tapering petals, like chimney sweep brushes when upturned, and their fresh colours and sunny centres make daisies particularly appealing.

An informal arrangement circling the edge of a plate brings the first pink of the season into the home. Bellis perennis ‘Bellissima Mixed’ and ‘Pomponette’ make ideal choices.