All About Asteraceae

Designed by Brian Youngblut

The number of wild birds in Britain has fallen by 73 million since 1970, meaning Britain has lost almost a third of all its wild birds. Gardens can play an important part in giving wild bird populations a fighting chance, by planting flowering species that are a rich food source for birds, abundant in edible seeds or fruit. The Asteraceae family includes a number of these species, such as Helianthus, Echinacea, Rudbeckia and more, many of which are featured in this border, to inspire gardeners across the UK to plant for the birds.

Designed by Kate Brown

This wildlife-friendly border shows a selection of Asteraceae that we can grow in the UK, focusing on the plant family’s range and differences in adaptability to moisture content in the soil, ranging from drought tolerant plants to moisture loving varieties. The grassland of Home Park and the Long Water at Hampton are echoed in the yellow, gold, orange and pink planting scheme and the linear design. A small pool emphasises the link to the moisture-loving planting that surrounds it, as well as providing a water source for garden wildlife.
 

Designed by Kathryn Cox and Acacia Gardens
Sponsored by Acacia Gardens and Ella James

The Flower Power Field is a tribute to the iconic Woodstock Festival. This border is conceived as an imagined place to chill out between bands. A small tepee, hung with Asteraceae garlands is pitched amid a field of kaleidoscopic Asteraceae and grasses, which bask in the sun. Signs adorned with hippie slogans channel the Woodstock spirit: ‘Flower Power’, ‘Peace’ and ‘Love’.

Designed by Oliver Wheeler

Inspired in part by the surroundings of Home Park, many of the plants used in this naturalistic border can be found growing wild around the showground. Cleft chestnut fencing divides the plot into three bays. A riverbed meanders through the centre, with planting on either side including grasses, a multi-stem Prunus serrula for height and additional interest, and of course a plethora of Asteraceae, including Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy), Cynara cardunculus (cardoon), Cirsium rivulare (plume thistle).