May

Asphodeline lutea is an easy to grow perennial that has great architectural form. The overall impression is distinctly upright, so it is good for adding vertical interest to the garden. In early summer leafy stems arise that bear dense, unbranched cylindrical spikes of gorgeous yellow, star-shaped flowers.

Aubrieta 'Hendersonii' is a vigorous variety that is smothered by rich lilac-purple flowers for several months in spring. It grows to only 10 to 15cm tall at maturity, but with a spread of around 45cm it makes a lively edging to a sunny border, growing over rock walls or placed in stonewalls.

Commonly called ‘Rock Cress’, Aubrieta is a traditional rock garden plant that is lovely spilling out of crevices, growing over rock walls or placed in stonewalls. 'Leichtlinii' forms a low cushion of leaves that is, throughout the summer months, smothered by wonderful deep-carmine flowers.

Aubrieta has long been treasured for its delightful spring show of brightly coloured flowers. ‘Whitewell Gem’ is smothered by large, intense reddish-purple flowers for several months. Lovely spilling out of crevices or over rock walls, the plants can also be used in paving with other ground hugging plants.

Aubrietia is a very versatile plant. They are well known for use in rockeries, but the cushion forming habit also makes it useful as a ground cover; it can be planted in beds and is perfect for underplanting shrubs. they can also be used between paving and walls, or create a wonderful foil for spring bulbs.

The herb borage is a well known annual. Not so well known is the equally beautiful form 'alba' which boast pure white, perfectly star-shaped flowers. Each flower is centred by five black stamens which heighten the drama. The flowers are edible, garden visitors can be converted to herbal advocates simply by offering a taste of its white flower.

The herb borage is a well known annual with beautiful blue flowers. Not so well known and not often written about is the equally beautiful form 'alba' which boast pure white, perfectly star-shaped flowers. This mixed pack of seeds gives both blue and white forms.

Brachycome is a care-free annual that forms clouds of soft colour. It is one of the most profuse and long-flowering annuals. Cheerful little pinwheels and are held above pale green, feathery foliage. It flowers so heavily that the foliage is often obscured.

A classic filler adding colour and texture, Bupleurum provide charming foliage and blooms of chartreuse green for the vase. Developed for the florist trade and recently introduced, 'Green Gold' produces wonderfully upright plants. Its flowers are produced on long, sturdy stems that have an exceptionally long vase life, lasting up to 10 days in a vase.

Calamintha nepeta is a very attractive bushy, perennial that should be in every garden. Clouds of tiny, lilac-mauve flowers appear in early summer and flower continuously from early June right through to late September. The leaves exude a lovely minty scent when crushed and the flowers are true bee pasture.

‘Indian Prince' has unique petals quite unlike other Calendula, the dark orange rays are in layers of orange, backed with rich mahogany red petals. Easily grown, sown direct in spring or in autumn, they are perfect candidates for cutting and flower arrangements.

Calendula officinalis 'Citrus Mixed' is a highly attractive hardy annual variety producing a bright mixture of apricot, orange, lemon and cream blooms from May to September. Among the most popular of hardy annuals, they are very easy to grow, and thrive in the cooler weather of spring and autumn.

Calendula officinalis 'Cut Flower Mix’ is a specially selected mix of colours and types, each with long stems designed for cutting. They grow to a height of around 70 to 80cm, are an excellent variety for borders and make a stunning cut flower. Clip spent flowers to achieve a longer blooming season.

A unique new colour in Calendula, 'Double Lemon' is an award winning variety that produces large double, pale lemon blooms, each with a deep yellow heart. Compact, bushy and free flowering. the medium height plants are an excellent variety for borders and containers.

Calendula officinalis ‘Ivory Princess’ is a tall show stopper with giant buttery flowers. The petals are a mix of creamy buff-yellow with tips of the serrated, buttercream petals having the tiniest outline of brown, giving a ruffled, lacy effect which beautifully compliments the dark brown eye.

Calendula officinalis 'Neon' is a true showstopper. The densely set, double flowers glow with deep orange petals each with bronze tips. Growing to a height of around 60 to 70cm they are the essence of early summer colour in the garden and make a stunning cut flower.

A delightful compact mix of single and semi-double forms, the daisy-like open petals of 'Oopsy Daisy' are bright in the centre with dark tips. Easy to grow they thrive in the cooler weather of spring and autumn. This is an excellent variety for borders and containers and will add cheer to any location.

'Sunset Buff' is a lovely, more subtle coloured calendula. It is the soft apricot-buff version of 'Indian Prince' with the same crimson petal backs. They grow to a height of around 60cm and a spread of 45cm, are an excellent variety for borders and make a stunning cut flower.

Calendula 'Touch of Red Buff' is a very interesting and unusual colour, a very contemporary beige-pink with darker petal tips giving a beautiful antique and vintage effect. For cut flowers, harvest when blooms are partially open and clip spent flowers to achieve a longer blooming season.

'Touch of Red Mix' is an exceptional, unusual and dramatic mix of colours. Containing the three colours in the 'Touch of Red' series, Buff, Orange and Yellow, each with deep bronze and red edges and backs of each petal. A very pleasing effect that will brighten up the garden or any floral arrangement.

The Chrysantella series is a magnificent form and is rightfully considered a masterpiece of Aster breeding. 'Autumn Forest' produces captivating, large apricot to salmon blooms that are absolutely stunning. Gorgeous great mounds of glorious recurved petals, they are a must-grow for the exquisite colouring alone.

The Chrysantella series is a magnificent form and is rightfully considered a masterpiece of Aster breeding. Ideal for growing cut flowers, 'Pink Mother of Pearl' are nothing short of spectacular and best described as a delicate cameo peach-pink. The vigorous plants produce a Y-type tall bush. The stems are thick and rigid and just one plant is enough to create a bouquet.