Agapanthus africanus (African lily) £24.99
Position: full sun Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers) Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to September Hardiness: half hardy (will need protection in winter) Globes of of trumpet-shaped, deep blue flowers appear from July to September on straight stems above bold clumps of strap-like, mid-green leaves. These beautiful African lilies provide valuable late summer interest in a sunny, well-drained border, or large patio pot. Where temperatures fall below zero, container-grown specimens should be overwintered in a frost free place. Garden care: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from spring. Towards the end of September ease back on the watering and feeding of plants in containers to allow the foliage to toughen up. Divide congested plants in spring, but be aware that they may not flower again the next summer.

Iris ‘Tycoon’ (Siberian iris (syn Persimmon)) £8.99
Position:full sun or partial shade Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May and June Flower colour: rich-purple Hardiness: fully hardy Gorgeous, rich purple flowers with tiny yellow throats in May and June and slender, strap-shaped leaves. This striking Siberian iris is versatile and low-maintenance. Perfect for providing vertical interest in a sunny, well-drained herbaceous border or waterside planting, for maximum impact plant in bold clumps, allowing plenty of room. Garden care: Plant in soil that has been improved with well-rotted manure or garden compost and do not allow to dry out, particularly as the plant is getting established. If planted in a container, it will need dividing and repotting every couple of years in spring.

Iris sibirica ‘Shirley Pope’ (Siberian iris) £7.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May and June Flower colour: deep purple Other features: all parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if ingested; contact with the sap may cause skin irritation Hardiness: fully hardy Deepest purple flowers that have a velvety finish, sit on tall, upright flowerspikes from late spring to early summer. The combination of the slender green foliage and lavishly coloured flowers is a good one, and the result is an incredibly elegant plant that looks superb when planted in bold drifts throughout the border. Mix it with softer purples and rich plums to great effect. Garden care: Plant in soil that has been improved with well-rotted manure or garden compost and do not allow to dry out, particularly as the plant is getting established. If planted in a container, it will need dividing and repotting every couple of years in spring.

Hosta ‘Devon Green’ (plantain lily) £6.99
Position: cool shade Soil: best growth results are achieved in moist, fertile soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: pale lilac flowers appear in August and last for several weeks Other features: foliage cuts well for floral arrangement Hardiness: fully hardy Almost exclusively shade-lovers, Hostas are principally grown for their valuable foliage detail over the spring and summer months. Their planting versatility enables use as ground cover in a border, or as an understorey to shrubby plantings, or equally they make handsome specimens to grace a garden planter. Hosta ‘Devon Green’ is a chance sport of Hosta ‘Halcyon’, forming dense, medium sized hummocks of heart-shaped leaves. Being dark in colour, their highly glossy surface throws into relief the distinct mid rib veining. Lily-like flowers of pale lilac appear in high summer. Garden care: Surround plants with a ring of crushed eggshells to offer protection from slug damage.