In our ‘From the Plot’ series, we chat to inspiring growers who generously share their passion and knowledge. This month, we spoke to Darren from @darrenlakin2a vegetable grower with a beautiful potager garden filled with cottage garden classics. Discover how he upcycles vintage and antique shop finds to create a magical space brimming with style and drama…

My love of gardening came from my dad and grandad

Darren’s garden shed wrapped in cottage-garden flowers
Image courtesy of Darren Lakin

My love of gardening began at an early age. I loved helping my dad and granddad in the vegetable garden and polytunnel, which was packed full of dahlias and chrysanthemums. So after moving here, it felt natural to create my own garden.

I adore cottage gardens

Darren’s style has been influenced by his love of vintage finds
Images courtesy of Darren Lakin

My own garden consists of cottage garden style borders and a potager garden full of homegrown fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs. I also have a greenhouse and work yard styled with antique and vintage gardenalia and handmade upcycled makes.

Garden visits helped shape my style

Darren’s garden in full bloom
Images courtesy of Darren Lakin

I found a lot of my inspiration from reading books & magazines but mainly from visiting other gardens around the country, which helped me decide on the look I wanted to try and achieve at home.

Asparagus, tomatoes and salads are my favourite things to grow

Raised beds are home to Darren’s homegrown produce
Images courtesy of Darren Lakin

My favourite crops to grow in my potager garden include:

• Asparagus – freshly harvested and taken straight to the kitchen it’s so much tastier.
• Tomatoes – bountiful and tasty, with masses of colours and shapes to choose from.
• Salads – easy to grow, tasty and beautiful to look at.

Garden little and often to achieve your goals

Darren’s garden is a tranquil haven
Images courtesy of Darren Lakin

One tip I always give new gardeners is to enjoy every minute you spend in the garden and, if possible, try to do a little something out there each day. Whether it’s just 10 minutes or a full day, you’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve…

I love an upcycling project

Darren’s vintage-styled greenhouse and one of his auricula theatres
Images courtesy of Darren Lakin

I have a couple of favourite projects that I’m quite proud of. The first is the look of my greenhouse styled with vintage and antique finds. The second is my two upcycled auricula theatres: one created from an old bookcase and the other from the top of a Welsh dresser.

I want my borders to burst at the seams

Darren’s garden borders are packed full of vibrant colour
Image courtesy of Darren Lakin

In my garden, I plan to continue to add more perennials and bulbs to the borders to get that ‘bursting at the seams’ look that cottage gardens have. I’m also planning to revamp the gazebo seating area.

Grow like Darren

Image: Tomato ‘Moneymaker’ from Suttons

If you want to grow like Darren, here are just a few of his favourites:

Follow Darren at @darrenlakin2 for ideas and tips on growing colourful, edible crops. To discover more inspirational growers, explore our ‘From the Plot’ series.