Perennials for the Flower Vase

Beth Chatto began her world-renowned horticultural career as a style-conscious florist. Ernst Pagels tested all his legendary perennial selections for their suitability for vases.

A floral arrangement from one’s own garden is always something truly special. Personally, I’m usually terribly stingy with what I can and want to cut from the garden. But for special occasions, I too wander through the garden and cut what are probably the most enchanting bouquets that gardeners and florists can dream up. It’s an art I learned from my grandmother, Melanie Thomas, who produced cut flowers.

I taught courses at Beth Chatto’s garden center in the art of naturally elegant floristry using flowers from the garden.