Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ (hakonechloa) £8.99
Position: prefers a cool, moist environment in sun or part shade Soil: moist, humus-rich soil Rate of growth: slow, non-invasive Flowering period: August – September Hardiness: fully hardy This cracking grass is happiest in a lightly shaded spot, where its golden yellow foliage will really shine. It tolerates sunnier conditions, but the foliage colour is less luminous, turning a more lime green in full sun. One of the best for forming low groundcover, it looks great planted in big numbers, as well as softening the edges of a pathway or border. It also works really well when potted up on the patio. Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost into the planting hold. Leave flower heads to dry out through the winter, adding valuable texture to plantings. Apply a light mulch (3cm) of well-rotted garden compost after cutting back old foliage and before new growth emerges in spring.

Salvia pratensis ‘Pink Delight’ (salvia) £8.99
Position: full sun Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May to July Hardiness: fully hardy A pretty perennial that starts to produce its open spikes of rich pink flowers from early summer – and if cut back after the first flush, may offer up a second (less generous) flush. The flowers are popular with bees and other pollinaors and also look great in posies and other cut arrangements. Garden care: To prolong flowering, cut out spent flower spikes as soon as they start to fade, leaving foliage to mature into rich autumn tones. Alternatively, cut back the whole plant after early flowering in late May/June to enjoy a second flush of blooms in July and August. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2 -3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.

Kniphofia ‘Vanilla’ (red hot poker) £7.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to October Hardiness: fully hardy A hard-working and long-flowering evergreen perennial with grass-like foliage and from midsummer, slender upright spikes of pale yellow flowers. It mixes well with ornamental grasses so makes a superb addition to a prairie-style setting, but is also valuable for extending the season of colour in a mixed or herbaceous border. Garden care: In autumn remove and compost the faded flower spikes and apply a deep dry mulch such as pine needles around the crown of the plant. Cut back to the ground in spring to keep the foliage fresh- looking. Divide and re-plant overcrowded colonies in spring.

Heuchera ‘Shanghai’ (PBR) (heuchera) £6.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, moist or well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: June to August Hardiness: fully hardy The stunning foliage colour of this evergreen perennial is probably its most striking feature, although the sprays of creamy bell-shaped flowers which appear in summer are also pretty. Use it to line a pathway, add colour to a potted arrangement, or plante en-masse for luscious groundcover. Garden care: Heucheras do not like dry soil. Remove tatty foliage in autumn. Lift and divide clumps every couple of years in early autumn and replant with the crown just above the surface of the soil. Apply a generous 5-7 cm (2-3 in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the crown of the plant in spring.

Lupinus ‘Gallery Red’ (Gallery Series) (lupin) £2.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained, slightly acid, sandy soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: June to July and September Hardiness: fully hardy This dwarf lupin produces densely packed spires of red, pea-like flowers in June and July above clumps of attractively lobed, mid-green leaves. Perfect towards the front of a sunny cottage garden border, as long as the faded blooms are removed promptly the plant will yield a second flush of flowers in September. Garden care: Deadhead the faded blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers. In autumn cover the crown of the plant to protect against frost damage.