I’m Wimbledon’s Head Gardener… How to copy my Centre Court colours with 8 iconic plants & prices start from £1.99

WIMBLEDON starts on Monday – and whether you’re watching on TV or lucky enough to get tickets – you’ll know the purple, white and green floral arrangements around the grounds are absolutely gorgeous.

Not only that, there’s 250m of living wall for fans on Murray Mount, Centre Court’s iconic ivy  and even a bronze tree with a womble hidden in it for those taking time out from watching a match.

Stewart Williams

Head Gardener Martyn Falconer with Sun Gardening Editor Veronica[/caption]

Head Gardener Martyn Falconer took time out to show me how Sun Gardening readers can replicate the famous flora in your own outside space.

And even better, you can get pretty much all of the plants in your local garden centre or supermarket – at minimal cost.

Petunia’s are on sale at Gardening Express for £1.99, Salvias are £5.59 at Crocus and you can pick up a A five Fern collection at Homebase for £9.50.

“Our ethos is ‘Tennis in an English Garden’ so that’s what we hope that people are experiencing,” he said.

“It’s quite easy as there’s a lot of herbacious purples and greens – Petunia’s, Hydrangeas and the Ivy are our iconic plants.

“But Salvia Nemerosa ‘Ostfriesland’  is a really piercing good bluey purple, which has really come out with the sunshine.

“Our living wall is a soil-less system, in rock wool, watered four times a day with nutrients, 52 weeks a year.

“There’s Heucheras, Liriope, Hebes and ferns in there – about 14 different varieties of plants in it.”

He added: “We’ve got a team of 12 full time gardeners, then eight seasonals from April to September.

“Where we really try to make a big impact is the main concourse, under the balcony where you get the players showing off the trophy, so that area is a quite heavily planted showcase.”

“Our day during the championships starts around 5am for deadheading, watering and making sure everything is tip top – including picking out Pimms glasses and cigarette butts and bits of fruit – before the public arrive at 10am.”

“We choose plants that are going to be out naturally around this time of year and get a delivery every week, six weeks out from the championships, with a  very regimented plan.

“I’ll make sure they’re quite closed heads, not in too much flower, then we’re playing a little bit with God and hoping that the British weather is on our side – and it will all look great for the Champs.”