No Wimbledon game is complete without a punnet of fresh strawberries (washed down with a Pimm’s of course).
According to official figures, more than 38.4 tonnes of strawberries are consumed during Wimbledon week — approximately 190,000 servings, with each portion typically including 10 strawberries.
“The pairing of Wimbledon and strawberries isn’t just nostalgic, it’s rooted in British horticultural history,” says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies.
“Strawberries were in season when Wimbledon was first held in 1877, and their association with summer, freshness, and British identity made them a natural fit. The addition of cream came later, cementing the combination as a luxurious seasonal treat.”
Nearly all the strawberries served at Wimbledon are locally sourced from Kent.
“The berries are picked at dawn and delivered to the grounds by afternoon to guarantee peak freshness,” says Jo. “This emphasis on local sourcing supports British agriculture and reduces food miles.”
Andrew Montgomery
Why should we grow more strawberries?
Strawberries can grow in pots, containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes. Offering environmental and nutritional benefits, just a few simple steps will mean you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh produce.
Take a look at the benefits below:
1. Low environmental impact: “Strawberries are relatively low in carbon emissions, especially when grown locally and seasonally. Supporting local production reduces transportation-related emissions and packaging waste,” says Jo.
2. Easy to grow: Strawberries require little effort and are perfect for lazy gardeners. To plant them successfully, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil and water well during dry spells.
3. Nutritious: These red fruits are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre. “Eating them regularly supports immune health, digestion, and skin vitality,” adds Jo.
4. Fun and educational: “Great for families, classrooms, or community gardens, strawberry growing teaches sustainability, responsibility, and patience, plus, harvesting your own fruit is a uniquely satisfying experience.”
10 best garden sprinklers to keep your lawn and borders watered
Pop-up sprinkler — Best Garden Sprinkler
Gardena Sprinklersystem Turbo-driven Pop-up SprinklerCredit: Amazon
Keep your grass watered with this turbo-driven pop-up sprinkler. Simply install the sprinkler centrally on your desired area, connect it with a connector to a pipeline and let the water do the rest.
Multiflo sprinkler — Best Garden Sprinkler
Flopro multiflo sprinklerCredit: crocus.co.uk
With a sturdy ground spike, this multiflo sprinkler is ideal for use on lawns and borders. Made from premium grade UV-resistant plastic, it can be used alone or as part of a modular system. Your grass will be looking green again in no time…
Rectangular sprinkler — Best Garden Sprinkler
Hozelock Rectangular SprinklerCredit: Argos
Designed to give 100% even water coverage, this rectangular sprinkler is great for all garden space. It also has 15 jets, so is brilliant for both play and watering the grass.
Round sprinkler — Best Garden Sprinkler
Hozelock Ltd Round SprinklerCredit: amazon.co.uk
This high performance metal spike sprinkler reaches a maximum area coverage of 314m², ensuring every patch of lawn gets watered. The spike design ensures durability, while the water-powered spray makes it easier to water.
Sprinkler on a tripod — Best Garden Sprinkler
Flopro elite tripod sprinklerCredit: crocus.co.uk
Brilliant for lawns, beds, borders and taller plants, this versatile sprinkler adjusts in height from 40-95cm and in spraying angle from 0-360 degrees. The sturdy tripod has weighted legs for stability, while the heavy duty metal sprinkler head easily adjusts.
Sturdy style — Best Garden Sprinkler
Metal base pulsating sprinklerCredit: waitrosegarden.com
With a durable alloy base, this pulsating sprinkler covers an area up to 25cm in diameter and features a fully adjustable spray pattern. This style also includes a brass hose connector to fit a standard half-inch hose.
Pulse sprinkler — Best Garden Sprinkler
Gardena Premium Full or Part Circle Pulse Sprinkler Credit: Amazon
Mounted on a robust plastic sled, this pulse sprinkler has three metal inserts to make it stable. An essential for any keen gardener.
Easy-grip sprinkler — Best Garden Sprinkler
Hozelock Vortex 8 SprinklerCredit: robertdyas.co.uk
With eight spray patterns to choose from, this sprinkler has a soft-touch easy-grip adjuster ring for changing spray patterns even with wet hands.
Oscillating sprinkler — Best Garden Sprinkler
Kärcher Premium Oscillating Sprinkler – OS 5.320SVCredit: Amazon
With ground forks for stability and a built-in pre-filter, this sprinkler has a swaying movement for convenient positioning without getting wet.
Adjustable spray sprinkler — Best Garden Sprinkler
Draper 17-Hole Oscillating Sprinkler Credit: robertdyas.co.uk
Keep your garden in top form with this nifty sprinkler. Designed to cover every inch of your grass or flowerbed, it features an adjustable spray pattern facility and a oscillation adjustment.
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Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.