Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ (cranesbill) was £7.99 now £4.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: May – August Hardiness: fully hardy Deep lavender-blue, saucer-shaped flowers appear in early summer among deeply di vided, mid-green leaves. The loose clusters of lavender-blue flowers, become paler at the centre, look lovely weaving in and out of the front of a mixed border or at the base of flowering shrubs. This geranium rapidly forms a dense carpet of foliage, va luable for suppressing weeds, and if cut back after flowering, will usually prod uce a second flush of flowers later in the summer. Garden care: In midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.

Verbena bonariensis (purple top) was £5.99 now £4.99
Position: full sun Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: June to September Hardiness: borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas) Tightly packed clusters of lilac-purple flowers on tall, stiff, branching stems from June to September. This stylish perennial has been enjoying a resurgence of interest in recent years. Perfect for a sheltered, sunny, well-drained spot, its open, transparent shape means that it can easily be used at the front or middle of the border despite its height. Garden care: In cold conditions Verbena bonariensis can suffer dieback if cut back in autumn, so it’s best to leave the plant until spring and cut back the old growth when you see the new shoots emerging at the base. Also it’s a good idea to mulch around the base of the plant with a deep, dry mulch in winter to help protect the plant. Where the plant is grown in partial shade the stems may need to be supported – if this is necessary use natural materials such as brushwood or twiggy pea-sticks.