When it flowers in the summer, Silene x robotii 'Rollys Favourite' is sure to be one of the brightest plants in your garden. The hardy perennial produces bubblegum pink blooms in abundance throughout June, July and August. These flowers are sure to catch your eye when placed at the front of a sunny or partially shady border. Campions also make great patio plants despite their sprawling habit; such versatility makes them suitable for novices as well as experienced gardeners. This Catchfly has been crossed with Lychnis to form a unique, hybrid plant that will stand out in any cottage garden. Height: 40cm (1'4). Spread: 40cm (1'4).
This dwarf conifer, that is super low maintenance, is an excellent addition to gravel gardens, Japanese gardens, and rockeries. Picea abies 'Little Gem' is evergreen, and slow growing, reaching a maximum height of just 50cm. A minature Norway Spruce, with a compact cushion habit, it has fresh green growth every year, that contrasts with the mature dark green needle foliage. The RHS have awarded the plant its Award of Garden Merit. Height and Spread: 50cm (20).
Bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden with this head-turning perennial. Bees and other nectar hungry insects will be drawn to the impressive purple and white flowers that are carried on towering architectural spikes which could grow up to 1.2m tall. As a Mediterranean native, Acanthus spinosus is incredibly drought tolerant once established which makes it perfect for the hot dry borders that other plants would hate. Bear's Breeches would be suitable for a garden that is populated with other exotic specimens or to add height and contrast to cottage garden planting. Height: 1.2m (4'). Spread: 1m (3').
Kerria japonica 'Golden Guinea', also known as the ?Japanese Rose?, is an easy-to-grow deciduous shrub with arching stems that are filled with yellow flowers in spring. The original Kerria japonica cultivar was discovered by William Kerr, a young gardener from Kew who was employed by the East India Company in 1804 to search for undiscovered plants in China to be brought back to grow in British gardens. ?Golden Guinea? is bigger and brighter than those original plants, holding an RHS AGM. A good shrub for cottage and woodland style gardens, it will fill the garden with colour during the bleak winter months. Height: 2m (6',5). Spread: 2.5m (8').
This vigorous variety produces delicious, snack-size fruits that are perfect for lunch boxes, salads and picnics. Cucumber 'Baby Rocky' is a heavy cropper and early to ripen. The smooth-skinned fruits are just 9cm (4?) long with crisp flesh and an excellent flavour.
The vivid leaves of Begonia ‘Satin Starburst’ are daubed with a bright, strawberry splash and margined with silvery spots
Begonia luxurians is an impressive, cane-stemmed begonia with erect, bamboo-like, bright red stems which can reach over 2 metres! An RHS award-winner, Begonia luxurians is grown for its large, palm-like leaves composed of long, cascading leaflets which expose pinkish undersides
With its architectural form and dense green needles, this miniature tree makes a fine evergreen feature in the rockery, at the edge of the patio, or in a container. Neat and slow growing, the Dwarf Mountain Pine will remain compact for many years. With maturity, it will form a mound of spreading branches and will produce female cones at the tips of the stems. Pinus mugo 'Pumilo Group' gives interest all year round in return for hardly any maintenance. It copes well with urban pollution and tolerates windy coastal locations. Height: 3.5m (11'). Spread: 5m (16').
Streptocarpus 'Katie' will delight you from spring to autumn with its continual flushes of bi-coloured flowers in deep purple and pale violet etched with delicate, filigree veining
The delicate colouring of Streptocarpus 'Charlotte' will delight you from spring to autumn
Streptocarpus 'Pearl’ is a free-flowering variety, producing open, pure white flowers with a pale yellow throat
Flowering from April to October, Streptocarpus 'Zoe' is an unusual combination of violet-blue lower lobes, pale violet upper petals and a creamy-white throat with a soft blush of orange
Like magic, the new leaves of this compact deciduous shrub emerge a rich crimson, gradually maturing through to yellow and soft lime! New shoots continue to emerge throughout the growing season for a continuous show of colour and are complimented by clusters of bright pink fluffy flowers in mid to late summer. Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet' is easy to grow and excellent for mixed borders, coastal gardens and cottage gardens where the flowers attract pollinating insects. This exciting new Japanese Spiraea has been awarded a prestigious RHS AGM for its outstanding qualities. Height and spread: 60cm (24).
Choisya ternata, Mexican Orange Blossom, thrives in harsh conditions, such as exposed coastal gardens. This low maintenance, drought resistant plant originates in Mexico and flowers in the autumn, winter and early spring when many other shrubs are dormant. With dark green, evergreen oval foliage, and star-shaped and highly-scented white flower, Choisya ternata makes a very pretty hedge. Height and spread: 2.5m (8').
This beautiful Streptocarpus has icy indigo and white blooms patterned with exquisitely delicate veining