“June is the best of all the summer months” says Jemma Khan, “you get the tail end of the spring flowers along with the best of the summer flowers”.
At this time of year, British roses are at their peak, generous, fragrant and full of romance. I love to weave their soft tones into arrangements alongside orlaya (also known as white lace flower), which brings such a delicate, airy movement to designs. Achillea is another favourite of mine this month; it has that effortless meadow feel that softens everything it’s paired with, while nigella or Love-in-a-Mist adds a whimsical, almost wild beauty that I love.
I’ve always had a real fondness for herb flowers too, especially at this time of year. Mint flowers are unexpectedly beautiful and cost effective, with their soft purple tones. Foxgloves remain one of my absolute favourites, tall, elegant and so perfectly at home in an English country garden such as Birdsall’s.
For me, the hero flower of June is the peony. Much like Birdsall House itself, it carries a sense of history and longevity, with plants that can thrive for 50 years or more. They are so often found in formal gardens and romantic borders, and I never tire of using them in arrangements at Birdsall. They also feel particularly meaningful at this time of year, symbolising romance, prosperity and happy marriage, perfect for the beginning of the wedding season.
This year, the peonies have arrived a little later than usual due to the cold snap we’ve had. My best tip, if they are still tight in bud, is to gently wash the flower heads in warm water to remove the natural sticky sap. Trim the stems at an angle and place them into warm water, peonies always respond far better to warmth than cold.
And if I can leave you with one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t overthink it.
I’ve always believed that all colours work beautifully together and June brings an abundance of colour. Step outside, look at what’s growing naturally around you, and take your lead from that. Nature rarely gets it wrong and the best arrangements always feel like they belong exactly where they are.
