What’s in Bloom in July: A Stroll Through a British Summer Garden
July truly feels like nature's warm embrace. The sun lingers, bees hum lazily, and gardens and hedgerows across Britain burst into their fullest glory. If you've ever wandered down a country lane, relaxed in a local park, or tended your own patch of green, you'll know that July is when flowers truly put on their best show.
We took a stroll through Wild Rose Garden in Cornwall.
Come along for a peek at what’s in bloom this month and see how these flowers influence the artwork created by our Whistlefish artists.
Roses: the heart of an english garden
Few things capture the essence of a British summer quite like the rose. Whether it’s a wild dog rose climbing an old fence or a perfectly shaped tea rose in a town garden, these iconic flowers are at their peak in July. Their soft petals and delicate fragrance make them the undeniable stars of countless back gardens and village greens.
SHOP BLOSSOM WISHES BIRTHDAY CARD
Our artists adore capturing roses for their timeless elegance. Next time you pass one, pause and breathe it in – you might just spot a rose or two hidden in our cards and prints, each one painted to celebrate summer's gentle charm.
Lavender: a soothing swathe of purple
From charming cottage borders to practical allotment edges, lavender hedges are alive with the buzz of bees and the flutter of butterflies in July. Walk past a drift of lavender, and you'll catch that unmistakable, calming scent drifting on the breeze. It's one of those nostalgic summer fragrances that instantly brings back memories of garden paths, cream teas, and lazy afternoons.
SHOP LAVENDER & CHAMOMILE FEEL BETTER SOON CARD
Look closely at our card artwork, and you might spy sprigs of lavender tucked into floral wreaths or scattered among wildflowers – it's our subtle nod to the tranquil corners of a British garden.
Sweet Peas: a riot of colour and scent
If you're a grower, you'll know that sweet peas thrive on being picked, encouraging more blooms. A handful in a simple jam jar on the windowsill is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Their delicate tendrils, ruffled petals, and heady scent perfectly capture that carefree feeling of high summer, whether you're in a bustling city courtyard or a quaint country cottage.
Many of our floral designs draw inspiration from garden favourites like sweet peas. Their natural curl and climb make them a sheer delight to paint.
Wildflowers: hedgerow magic and messy daisies
Across the country, hedgerows and verges are currently brimming with natural beauty. Keep an eye out for oxeye daisiesscattered like confetti across meadows, their "messy" petals dancing in the breeze with that wonderfully carefree spirit only wildflowers possess. There's a true joy in a daisy that refuses to be too neat – a lovely reminder that nature's beauty isn't always about perfect order.
Along winding lanes and field edges, you'll also find foxgloves nodding their majestic purple spires and cow parsley drifting into delicate, lacy seed heads. These wild blooms evoke memories of leisurely Sunday walks with family, dogs bounding happily ahead, and the gentle hum of insects in the warm sunshine.
Our artists often take their sketchbooks on strolls through fields, parks, or woodland paths, capturing these fleeting, authentic moments before they fade. It's this sense of real life – untamed, imperfect, but utterly lovely – that we love to infuse into our cards and prints!
bringing the outside in
Whether you cultivate your own magnificent blooms or simply gather a handful of "messy daisies" from a hedgerow ramble, filling your home with flowers is one of the easiest ways to hold onto July's magic. A single stem in a bud vase can brighten a side table, while a jug of wildflowers on the kitchen table can make the everyday feel just a little more special.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WILD ROSE GARDEN HERE
a note from Whistlefish
At Whistlefish, we're endlessly inspired by what's growing just beyond our doors, wherever those doors may be. Our artists' deep love for nature, gardens, and the ever-changing seasons is woven into every brushstroke. So, whether you're sending a thoughtful card to a dear friend or framing a new piece for your wall, you're bringing a little piece of a British summer garden home with you.
A huge thank you to Wild Rose Cornwall for having us and the most beautiful day spent in your garden.
Here’s to the messy daisies, the classic rose bushes, and all the incredible blooms that make July so full of life – and to pausing, just for a moment, to truly enjoy them.
explore our summer blooms
If you'd like to capture that wonderful feeling of a British garden in full bloom, take a peek at our Birthday floral cards and art prints. Each one is painted with care and a genuine love for the wild corners, charming cottage borders, and cheerful messy daisies that make each month so incredibly special.
explore our floral collection – and bring a touch of summer’s gentle beauty into your home today!