There’s a new crop of Cornish wildflowers springing to life in August.

Cornish Wildflowers - Wild carrot - Daucus carota

Wild carrot – Daucus carota

The seed heads of wild carrot – Daucus carota are truly beautiful. The flowers gradually fold inwards after flowering creating a tightly woven birds-nest effect. This plant is a cousin of the popular Ammi Majus – which has often adorned RHS show gardens. They look very similar, but Ammi Majus is more delicate and probably fits better into a garden border.

Cornish Wildflowers - Common Fleabane –Pulicaria dysenterica

Common Fleabane –Pulicaria dysenterica

Common Fleabane –Pulicaria dysenterica has just started to burst out all over the Camel Trail. Hang a bunch up and it’s supposed to drive fleas out of the house – interesting – could save on the use of Frontline?

Cornish Wildflower - Hemp agrimony - Eupatorium cannabinum

Hemp agrimony – Eupatorium cannabinum

Hemp agrimony – Great for attracting butterflies. It will soon break into frothy clusters of light pink flowers – which gives it it’s common name of raspberries-and-cream. You can see it’s related to Eupatorium maculatum – a statuesque perennial growing up to 2m, which is great for adding height to a damp border.

Find out more about Jo Midwinter’s Cornwall based garden design practice