magnolia £29.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: April to MayHardiness: fully hardyLarge, elegant, creamy yellow, goblet-shaped flowers open from yellow buds in April and May on bare branches. This magnolia forms a natural dome shape and has spreading, horizontal branches that give it an elegance even when not in flower. This rare variety makes a superb specimen tree for a small garden. It is best grown in fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. A great tree for a woodland garden where it can be sheltered by other trees – it does not like exposed, windy sites.Magnolias can be a little tricky to grow to begin with but the rewards are well worth it. The main thing is to avoid planting in a frost pocket as this will damage the emerging buds. The same is true for exposed and windy spots. Once established, magnolias are fairly low maintenance though newly planted trees benefit from a good, deep mulch in spring to get them started.Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in midsummer. The best time to plant is in April, adding plenty of peat to the planting hole, in a sheltered spot. Mulch in spring with manure and leafmould, especially on dry soils.

bumble-bee-nester £26.99
Made from quality larch, this substantial nesting box attracts the queen bees during early spring. Since bumble bees are excellent pollinators, you’ll get bigger and better crops if you position it in a secluded spot next to the veg patch or in the fruit garden.The nester measures 27cm long x 22cm high x 16cm deep.

blue bamboo £19.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: fast growingLeaves: mid-greenCanes: blue with purple tints fading to yellowHardiness: frost hardy (may need protection in their first winter)A hardier, bluer variety that was found growing at altitudes above 2800m (8400ft) in the Himalayas. This bamboo is a relatively recent introduction to the UK where it is prized for its colourful canes. They emerge each year in early summer in shades of green and slowly become bluer over a period of a couple of years. They finally fade after a couple of years to a greeny-yellow with hints of purple. It has delicate looking foliage and a very upright habit so is great for adding vertical interest. As it is a clump forming variety it is not invasive, but it will spread to around 3m across. It looks stunning planted up in a large pot (just make sure you keep it well watered) or planted next to water.Garden care: It will thrive in a cool, moist, shaded position with protection from cold dry winds. Avoid very heavy soils that get waterlogged for long periods in winter. It can cope with snow and temperatures down to -9C in its native environment once it is well established, however it will need a little help to settle in here in the UK, so protect it with fleece for its first few winters.

the-garden-line £15.99
Inspired by a traditional design, these ornate metal pegs come with 25m of natural jute cord and can be used to set out your new beds or make sure that all your seedling rows are nice and straight. In fact they can be used anywhere you need to get a straight line between two points.Measures: 14 x 6 x 35cm

magnolia £14.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained, acidic soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: April to MayHardiness: fully hardyOne of the most popular magnolias, with large, dark green leaves that start to appear in mid spring, at about the same time as the huge, deep rose-pink or white, goblet-shaped flowers. This is a good magnolia for smaller gardens,as it remains a shapely shrub for many years, and even when it is mature, is a manageable small tree.Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in midsummer. The best time to plant is in April, adding plenty of peat to the planting hole, in a sheltered spot. Mulch in spring with manure and leafmould, especially on dry soils.

snowdrop £12.99
Position:partial shade Soil: humus-rich, moist but well drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: January and February Flower colour: white Other features: all parts of the plant may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested; contact with the bulbs may cause skin irritationHardiness: fully hardyBulb size: 5/6A taller variety with a distinctive, long spathe which looks like the flowers have a hood. This is a good choice for those looking for a slightly more unusual snowdrop, or those wanting to add to their collection as it is still quite rare. Both the inner and outer petals are white, but have green markings which make them look as if they have been painted with a brush.Garden care: Plant bulbs 5cm deep in dense clusters to form naturalistic drifts. Where bulbs are planted in grass do not cut the grass until after the leaves have died right back. Divide large colonies after flowering while the leaves are still green for use in other moist, well-drained areas.

heavenly bamboo £12.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: JulyHardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection in cold areas)This compact, rounded shrub produces conical clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers in mid-summer among bamboo-like leaves. In autumn, the leaves turn shades of fiery red and copper and the flowers are followed by shiny, round, scarlet fruits. With several seasons of interest, this dwarf form of heavenly bamboo is a hardworking plant for a sunny spot where border space is limited.Garden care: In mid or late spring lightly cut back any shoots that spoil the symmetry of the plant.

firethorn (syn. Saphyr Red) £9.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: any fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: MayFlower colour: pure whiteOther features: bright red berriesHardiness: fully hardyTo find out more about how to plant a hedge, click hereUpright, later spreading, evergreen shrub with dark green leaves, spiny branches and bunches of small white flowers in late spring. These are followed by a profusion of bright red berries in autumn. It is for these showy berries that it is grown, providing colour in the garden when there is little else. It can be grown as a free-standing shrub, against a wall or as a hedge.Garden care: When planting incorporate plenty of well-rotted organic matter in to the planting hole. Prune hedges in early to mid-summer. In early spring, trim out misplaced or crossing branches on free-standing shrubs. Tie in any shoots to extend the framework of wall shrubs, and shorten branches to about 2 or 3 leaves from the base after flowering to expose the berries.