In early June there is a stunning array of Cornish wildflowers to be found on the Camel Trail near Padstow. At Sunny Point on Little Petherick Creek I was surprised by this very fine creamy rose. I believe it’s a field rose (Rosa arvensis). It’s very floriferous and obviously happy growing on the banks above the shoreline.
Further along the shore, is a thriving patch of sea thrift (Armeria Maritima). This is such a hardy little plant – it can be found all the way out to Stepper Point. Its great to use in the garden particularly if you are on the coast – it tolerates poor soil and exposed sites quite happily and bees and butterflies love it.
After Cow Parsley, another umbellifer is on the scene – Common Hogweed (Heracleum Sphonylium). Up close it has the most exquisite petals – stunning little U-shapes. Umbellifers are such a useful shape to use in the border – here is a great little slide show of some of the most popular ones by the Telegraph.