Experience The Joy Of Growing Flowers In Your Herts Home

Niki Irving is on a mission to get us all to experience the joy of growing flowers, as she tells Kristianna Engbrecht

What drove you to bring your love of flowers into print?

I have always loved sharing about flowers and my farm through my blog. Last year – right as the world was shutting down due to COVID – I was approached by an editor at Mango Publishing with an opportunity to write a book. The timing was absolutely perfect because I suddenly had more time on my hands with 2020 weddings being postponed, and there was also a huge resurgence in gardening with everyone being stuck at home. It was an ambitious project to write and photograph an entire book in less than year, but I am so grateful for the opportunity and so pleased with how it came together.

Who, would you say, is your book aimed at?

My hope is that the book gives beginners a road map for how to get started with a flower garden, while providing seasoned gardeners with deep dives into tricky plants like how to grow ranunculus and dahlias. I also have a chapter on floral design with recipes on how to make several different arrangements. There is something for everyone!

The book will help anyone with an interest in growing their own flowers

Do you have a favourite part of the flower growing process?

I love every stage of the process, but harvesting is my favourite. It feels like the ultimate reward to be picking the flowers that we so carefully nurtured for many months.

Of everything you grow, are there any personal standouts or do you have any favorite flower combinations?

My absolute favourite flowers are ranunculus. They are just so romantic and beautiful with their layers of petals, and they have a lovely soft citrus scent. A close second favorite are dahlias. If I could grow ranunculus and dahlias year round, I would be a happy lady! But I suppose part of what makes them so special is that they are only blooming for a few months each year.

Growing Flowers [recovered] — Growing Flowers is out now

Do you have any quick tips or advice for people who are just getting into gardening or flower growing?

My advice is to just start small! Each year brings new challenges and successes in the garden, so I always encourage people to keep trying and learning. That is the joy of growing flowers!

Growing Flowers: Everything You Need to Know About Planting, Tending, Harvesting and Arranging Beautiful Blooms by Niki Irving is out now

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Author

Mark Kebble

Mark's career in journalism started in 2001 when he landed a role on a small lifestyle magazine in Angel, North London. Soon enough, the magazine was purchased by a larger organisation and Mark found himself promoted to editor at the tender age of 23. He later became group editor, working on magazines for Angel, Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Highgate. He was also involved in a launch in Hadley Wood and a major new group website, later becoming Group Hub Editor. In 2021, Mark joined Zest Media Group and oversaw the launch of many Absolutely titles across the UK. To date, Mark has launched in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Essex, Yorkshire and Cheshire. When he does have some free time, Mark is also the Chairman of an amateur football club in Surrey and is also a fully qualified FA football coach.