The Flower Yard

You may have no more than a few feet of space, and room for only a few large containers, but what exciting and fabulous pots these can be. Arthur Parkinson has no flowerbeds, no lawn, no shed and no greenhouse, but has created a lush, flamboyant oasis that throughout the year is an ever-changing floral tapestry of sparkling seed heads, clutching tendrils, arching fronds and flowering stems. Cultivating a cottage-garden space, however small, creates an island against the blight of city life. Flowers provide a beautry that cannot be bought, rewarding us visually and sensually, nurturing our senses and souls. There are real environmental benefits too. Views of dustbins, cars, neighbours' antics and the sound of traffic can, quite literally, be grown over by a richly coloured, bee-filled, living Eden. 'One day soon, I bet that young fella will be the next Monty Don or Alan Titchmarsh.' - Prue Leith.