One of the easiest and most visually stunning grasses to grow. Brilliant white, rabbit-tail spikes are produced in abundance from bushy, clump-forming deciduous plants. Eye-catching and early to flower in borders or large containers. Quick to flower, often used as a Annual. Height 45-50cm (18-20in) Cut back old foliage in spring as new growth appears in the centres of plants
Trailing. A famous French heirloom, the name of Squash Potimarron derives from potiron (pumpkin) and marron (chestnut). Squash Potimarron is one of the very best for baking and roasting, fruits reach 125-175 kilos (3-4lbs) in weight with an aromatic chestnut like taste. Good for storage.
Trailing. Stunning colour of fruit with a distinctive shape, each fruit of Squash Turk's Turban has its own cap on top making it a popular choice for ornamental autumn displays. Fruits have an excellent flavour for roasting, baking, as a steamed vegetable or used in soups.
Dainty white star shaped flowers with a superb perfume! The twining stems of the common Jasmine just love to climb and will quickly cover fences, trellis or tree stumps. Grow Jasmine in sunny borders or containers near doors and windows to fully appreciate its wonderful fragrance.
First EarlyPea Misty is an outstanding variety, producing a heavy crop of 7-8cm (3-3.5 inch) blunt pods, borne mainly in pairs against bright green foliage, filled with succulent tasty peas. Pea Misty flowers and sets pods over a very long cropping period.
A fine lettuce known for its exceptional cold resistance and bred solely for autumn sowings. Lettuce Arctic King is a large lettuce, light green in colour, with tasty, crinkled leaves
A totally unique Pansy! Spectacular flowers in an unusual colour combination, which are reminiscent of a tropical butterfly with electric blue wings and a hint of bronze going through to a golden splash in the center of each bloom. Sure to create an eye-catching display in spring or summer flowering borders or containers. A Hardy Perennial often used as a Half Hardy Annual. Height: 15-20cm (6-8in).
The best ever dwarf Viola for containers! A unique mixture of small, attractive bicoloured flowers resembling tiny sweets. Compact plants are smothered in masses of flowers over a very long period, making it ideal for summer or winter flowering bedding displays.
A fabulous tiny Butterhead lettuce that is perfectly proportioned for individual salads. Remarkably quick maturing, Lettuce 'Tom Thumb' produces solid heads of deliciously soft and juicy leaves that can be grown just 15cm (6) apart. Its tiny size and good vigour make this an ideal variety for early crops under cloches for the earliest harvests. Sow successively for an ongoing supply throughout summer. Height and spread: 15cm (6)
An unusual hardy species of this sensitive plant. Lax arching stems with small thorns (briers), and very sensitive leaves that fold when touched are then graced by attractive pink puffball-like flowers during the summer, attracting beneficial insects to the garden. Height: 30-60cm (12-24in)
Corn Salad Cavallo keeps on producing a mass of fresh flavoured, deep green 'lamb's lettuceleaves. A late summer sowing will guarantee winter salads.
Officially recognised as the world's hottest chilli pepper, measured at just over one million scoville heat units (SHU). Extensively cultivated in Assam region of India. Best grown in a container under glass as needs a long growing season. Fruits pale lime green turning an orangey red. Use sparingly and with care
Interesting British breeding, a cross between the Kale and Brussels Sprouts species producing 'rosettesof loose frilly edged buttons on a long stalk, in purples, greens and bicoloured leaves. However, the flavour and nutritional content of Brassica Petit Posy™ is akin to spring greens rather than Brussels sprouts - perfect for those who don't enjoy sprouts! Stands in condition throughout the winter, very winter hardy. The loose buttons are easy to pick off the stems and are perfect for adding to stir fries, serving steamed or microwaved and make very nutritious winter greens. One seed packet could produce enough crop to last up to five months supply.
The soft blue-green leaves of sage are ideal for adding their rich flavour to meats and stuffing. This hardy sub-shrub is an essential herb for adding to the Sunday roast but also makes an attractive plant in the perennial border. The flavour of the leaves will be best when growing sage in warm, dry conditions. Height: 60cm (24). Spread: 90cm (36)
Well known and reliable variety for over 100 years. Compact habit, producing firm, well-flavoured, pointed, tender hearts. Use also for spring greens when sown or planted more closely. Suitable also for spring sowing for summer and autumn cuttingHelp to retain bio diversity by growing these traditional varieties with the taste and garden performance well regarded by previous generations
High yield of tender and well-flavoured dark green, blistered, savoyed leaves from successional spring and summer sowings to give a longer cropping period. Stands well without bolting during hot weather if kept well watered. Ideal for freezing
A reliable, red flowered, heirloom favourite producing a high yield of long pods of superb flavour which snap readily when young and tender. Runner Bean 'Crusader' must be picked regularly for optimum yields. Runner beans are a good source of Vitamin C, folate and iron, and have a high fibre content. Also suitable for freezing. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 30cm (12).
A compact, virtually spineless variety producing a heavy yield of deep purple fruits with distinctive white stripes. The attractive fruits and compact, dwarf habit make Aubergine 'Pinstripe' ideal for a sunny patio or small greenhouses and vegetable plots. Height: 75cm (30). Spread: 60cm (24)
Neat, compact mounds of small leaves with a most delicious flavour make Basil 'Aristotle' a stunning ornamental, edible pot plant. The aromatic foliage adds flavour to all manner of dishes, particularly Italian recipes. This Greek basil is perfect for growing on the kitchen windowsill or in containers outside the back door. Height: 20cm (8). Spread: 30cm (12)
One of the most useful kitchen herbs for stews, stuffings and bouquet garni. This aromatic, evergreen thyme will grow almost anywhere in containers, rock gardens, borders, and even cracks in paving. Ideal for creating low, matt forming groundcover that will attract bees to the tiny, pink blooms. Thyme is particularly useful in coastal areas where it copes well with winds and dry conditions. Height: 30cm (12). Spread: 35cm (14).