With summer most definitely here, there is nothing quite like cooling off in the surroundings of an English country garden.

The charm of our floral plots form the inspiration for a suitably sunny summer exhibition at Sarah Wiseman Gallery, in Summertown, north Oxford.

Taking its cue from the words of the 18th century landscape architect William Kent who said: “All gardening is landscape painting,” it represents the crossover between art and horticulture – with delightful results.

Called simply The Garden, the group exhibition explores the enduring influence of gardening on visual art and brings together painting, printmaking and sculpture from gallery artists renowned for their interest in the natural world.

“Visual art and horticulture are two disciplines that share a long association,” says Sarah Wiseman, who owns the gallery and exhibition space in leafy South Parade.

“Claude Monet was perhaps most famously influenced by his garden at Giverny, with later 20th century examples of gardening artists including Derek Jarman and Barbara Hepworth.

“Gardening lends itself naturally to painting as a visual stimulus, but there are wider, more deeply felt implications to consider.

“Gardening is cyclical; in a garden we witness new growth, but also its decline and decay as the seasons change.”

The Garden show includes works by Sarah Spackman, who regularly makes paintings of her allotment produce.

There is also a new series of paintings by Alison Pullen, who worked with Chelsea Physic Garden and Kew, painting on location in their glasshouses and gardens.

Another artist whose work is rooted in horticulture is James Fotheringhame, who has recently joined the gallery and has evolved his artistic practice through his work as an artist and garden designer.

Other work comes from Charlotte Hardy, Emma Jagare, Dean Patman, Fletcher Prentice, Catherine Rayner, Sally Stafford and the gallery’s very own Sarah Lacey.

It’s a typically eclectic mix for the gallery, which prides itself on its championing of contemporary British painters.

Sarah continues. “As a gallery, we support original voices in painting, seeking opportunities for our artists to further develop their careers.

“We aim to create a point of focus through presenting an interesting gallery programme of solo exhibitions as well as carefully curated, themed group exhibitions.

“The breadth of artists we work with reflects the diversity of our clients, who range from experienced art collectors to those intending to make their first art purchase.

“We aim to enthuse our visitors with a variety of artwork in a spacious, relaxed setting and to encourage engagement with contemporary art.”

And the fresh images of plants and flowers are the perfect starting point for a summer show.

“For many artists, nature is an irresistible draw,” says Sarah. “Perhaps that’s because it’s endlessly changing, or because, like creating a successful art work, a successful garden takes planning and experimentation, with plenty of time and dedication.

“Part of the thrill is that you can never quite predict the end result.”

Much like painting then.

  • The Garden is at Sarah Wiseman Gallery, South Parade, Summertown, Oxford, until July 28. Details at wisegal.com