Urban gardening might seem like a challenge, but for many of us, it’s become a powerful way to reconnect with the seasons, find creative flow, and bring beauty into everyday life. In this inspiring interview, we sit down with the founder of Studio Mercurelli - a designer, gardener, and educator who blends practical know-how with a deep love of nature. From Hampton Court Show Gardens to hands-on workshops with Truffles & Ruffles, she shares how cut flowers can thrive in even the smallest of spaces, and why now is the perfect time to start growing your own.
1. How did you get into growing cut flowers?
I never seriously considered growing my own flowers until I was invited to co-design a dedicated Show Garden at Hampton Court - an experience that went on to win the People’s Choice Award. I brought several of the show plants home, and in a season of life where I didn’t have time to grow much from seed (hello, newborn!), I discovered the joy of picking my own cut-and-come-again flowers with minimal effort.
Since then, I’ve designed a number of productive gardens for clients—spaces that balance beauty and usefulness—and continued growing flowers myself while navigating a full-time job and raising a young family. Over time, I’ve curated a list of cut-and-come-again varieties that perform brilliantly in small spaces and real lives. These are flowering plants that work hard, look good in the garden, and bring lots of joy.
2. Urban living can be challenging when it comes to gardening. What are some of the most surprising lessons you’ve learned about growing flowers in smaller spaces?
The power of strategic successional planting! Even in a small bed or a few containers, we can create incredible impact by layering varieties with complementary habits. For example, Hellebores and Geraniums have complementary growing seasons—one gently covering the space left by the other. Foxgloves are wonderful for disguising the tired foliage of spring bulbs. It’s all about knowing which varieties to choose to make the most of your space.
3. What’s your approach to creating low-maintenance blooms that still look stunning? Can you share a few practical tips for beginners?
Choose the right plants for the right places—and focus on proven performers. Some varieties are simply more abundant, resilient, and long-lasting than others. I’ve spent over 15 years refining my top performer list through my own garden and my clients’ projects. In the workshop, I’ll share a shortlist of the best of the best - plus tips on where to find more.
Tips for beginners:
- Start small: a 1.2 x 1.2m (4ft x 4ft) bed can provide jugs of summer flowers… and a 1m x 2.5m border can yield blooms all year round.
- Prioritise cut-and-come-again varieties.
- Include perennial or woody herbs for foliage, fragrance, beauty - and kitchen use!
4. We know this workshop is all about hands-on creativity. How do you think working with flowers can help people reconnect with nature, especially in a busy, urban environment?
There’s deep solace in working with flowers. Harvard research (Dr. Nancy Etcoff’s Home Ecology of Flowers Study) shows that simply having flowers indoors can significantly increase feelings of well-being and happiness. Even a few stems on a desk or kitchen table can turn a hectic day into a moment of mindfulness. Flowers help us romanticise everyday life and stay connected to the natural world - even in the city.
5. What role does sustainability play in your approach to gardening, and how do you incorporate it into your workshops and designs?
I love this question! Choosing the right plants for the right spot means healthier gardens with no need for artificial fertilisers or chemical treatments. Most of the cut-and-come-again varieties I recommend also happen to be excellent for pollinators and other wildlife. With a degree in Applied Bioecology, creating spaces that nourish both people and nature has always been a driving force in my work. And of course, growing your own flowers means zero air miles - and a stronger connection to the seasons and the soil.
6. What’s one flower or plant that you feel every city dweller should try growing, and why?
Alchemilla mollis is my go-to. It’s incredibly generous, thrives in sun or dappled shade, and is a true cut-and-come-again plant. Whether used as a soft filler or a bold accent, even a few sprigs can elevate a handful of shop-bought or foraged blooms into something magical.
7. What’s your favourite part of teaching workshops like this? What do you hope participants take away from the experience?
The “aha” moments - the sparkling eyes when someone realises, “I can do this!” - are everything. I get lots of those during workshops, and they’re the most rewarding part.
More than anything, I hope participants leave feeling empowered and inspired, and with the confidence to integrate cut flowers into their own gardens, however small or busy their lives may be. I look forward to receiving the photos of the first posies!
8. Looking ahead, what’s next for you and your business? Any exciting projects or future workshops we can look forward to?
Right now, I’m excited to be preparing for the Truffles & Ruffles workshop in June! It’s such a special opportunity to share everything I’ve learned about growing flowers in real-life, urban gardens - and to do so in such a beautiful and convivial setting with such wonderful hosts is a real joy.
Alongside that, our studio has just been appointed for the planting design of a second two-acre site this year, which is a wonderful milestone for such a young practice. And I’m proud to say that we’re already in a position to give back to the community : Studio Mercurelli is currently working on its first pro-bono project - a sensory garden for a local school, which we hope will offer a nurturing, inclusive space for children and teachers alike.
Feeling Inspired?
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a total beginner, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that flower growing doesn’t have to be complicated—or rural. With the right varieties, a thoughtful approach, and a touch of creativity, even a windowsill or courtyard can become a source of joy, colour, and calm. We can’t wait to welcome you to our June workshop with Studio Mercurelli, where we’ll be getting our hands dirty, learning from the best, and leaving with the tools (and confidence!) to bring more flowers into our lives.
With much love Anna, Annie and Noemi xxx
