The current heatwave is sending flower beds rocketing into high summer ahead of time, and has flower farmers doing rain dances in sheds and barns across the country. But as flower growers and gardeners drum their feet and pray for rain, Sweet Peas are sneaking up supports and waving their tendrils about, Cornflowers are shouting blue things from the cutting patch, and lacy Ammi Majus is frothing itself into a frenzy. These may all be dainty flowers, looked down upon by last week's flouncing divas (roses and peonies), but they are the chorus line which every flowery musical needs. The role of 'fillers' is crucial in supporting the star turns in bouquets and arrangements, adding movement, scent and lightness to floral creations. They're what makes a bouquet look garden-gathered, natural and smell divine!
Here's a look at the beauties popping up UK-wide this week:
Stunning early summer arrangement by Passionflowers, Colne Valley, Essex
Scents of summer - a gorgeous vaseful by The Cotswold Posy Patch, Cheltenham, Gloucester
Sweet peas by The Forgotten Garden, Coombe Martin, Devon
What a colour! Earl Grey poppy - Compton Garden Flowers, Somerset
Beautifully blue: Nigella, or 'Love in a Mist'. The Highland Flower Garden, Muir of Ord, Scotland
What's rustling? Quaking Grass of course. Owl House Flowers, Bingley, West Yorkshire.