Cornus canadensis (Creeping dogwood) £12.99
Wonderful white flower bracts in May and June, surrounded by oval, bright green leaves, and followed by bright red berries in autumn. Creeping dogwood is an attractive groundcover plant for a shrub border or woodland garden. It performs best in partial shade in fertile, humus- rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil. Position: full sun to part shade Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May and June Flower colour: creamy-white Other features: the fruits may cause a mild stomach ache if ingested Hardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Incorporate a quantity of composted pine needles or well-rotted leaf mould when planting. Divide large colonies of plants in spring or autumn Goes well with: Lonicera fragrantissima, Galanthus nivalis, Anemone x hybrida, Myrtus communis, Crocus chryanthus ‘Herald’, Kerria japonica

Lilium martagon (turkscap lily) £9.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: June to July Hardiness: fully hardy Native to Swiss mountain meadows, this lily is easily grown in Britain. In June and July, tall stems play host to numerous small, purple, spotted turkscap lilies above whorls of dark green leaves. The flowers are highly scented, although it’s not the most pleasant smell. This lily does best among shrubs or in woodland where it should be left to naturalise. The RSPCA have reported that all parts of lilies can be fatal to cats, including the flower, leaves and pollen. For more information visit Rspca.org Garden care: Lilies are best planted in the autumn, when the bulbs ar e still plump, but they can still be planted in spring. Between August and Marc h choose a sunny spot where the plant can keep its feet in the shade. Plant 15- 20cm (6-8in) deep in a well-drained soil, enriched with well-rotted organic matt er or leaf mould, using a marker to minimise any unnecessary disturbance. Stake with ring stakes or bamboo canes in spring before the flowers appear. Deadhead the faded blooms and cut the stems back to ground level at the end of autumn.

Astilbe ‘Deutschland’ (japonica hybrid) (False goatsbeard) £9.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: moist, humus-rich soil Rate of Growth: slow Flowering period: May Flowers: white Other features: deeply cut, red-green leaves Hardiness: fully hardy Fabulous, feathery, pure white plumes in late spring above deeply cut, bright green leaves. This charming, white astilbe is one of the first to flower. For an eye catching display plant in drifts in a bog garden or moist, humus-rich area of the garden, next to moisture loving plants like rodgersia with large, coarser textured leaves. Garden care: Ensure that newly planted astilbes are kept well watered until they are established. Lift and divide large clumps every three or four years in late winter or early spring, discarding old, woody rhizomes.

Lilium martagon var. album (turkscap lily) £8.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: June to July Hardiness: fully hardy Native to Swiss mountain meadows, this lily is easily grown in Britain. In June and July, tall stems play host to numerous small, white, turkscap lilies with yellow anthers, above whorls of dark green leaves. The flowers are highly scented, although it’s not the most pleasant smell. This lily will light up a dark corner of the garden and does best among shrubs or in woodland, where it should be left to naturalise. Garden care: Lilies are best planted in autumn when the bulbs are still plump, but they can still be planted in spring. Between August and March , choose a sunny spot where the plant can keep its feet in the shade. Plant 15 -20cm (6-8in) deep in a well-drained soil, enriched with well-rotted organic matter or leaf mould, using a marker to minimise any unnecessary disturbance. Stake with ring stakes or bamboo canes in spring before the flowers appear. Deadhead the faded blooms and cut the stems back to ground level at the end of autumn.

Agapanthus ‘Sunfield’ (African lily) £8.99
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: frost hardy (may need protection in winter) Tall, vigorous and strikingly architectural, this clump-forming perennial produces massive flowerheads, up to 30cm across, of dark-veined, powder blue flowers from mid summer. These form above the strap-shaped, glossy green leaves on top of sturdy, upright stems and can last for several weeks before they start to fade. A taller variety that makes a big impact when planted in bold swathes, or potted up into substantial pots. Garden care: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser throughout the growing season. Towards the end of September ease back on the watering and feeding of plants in containers to allow the foliage to toughen up. Keep reasonably dry during the winter and protect the crowns with a dry mulch in the autumn. Divide plants that have become too big in spring, but remember you will often get more flowers when the roots are constricted.

Acanthus mollis (bear’s breeches / brank ursine) £8.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: deep, fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: May to August Hardiness: fully hardy A fantastic, architectural plant that’s justifiably popular. It is semi-evergreen, and produces enormous, jagged, deep green glossy leaves up to 90cm long. In mid-summer, spectacular spikes of white flowers with purple hoods shoot up from the foliage and last for several weeks. It thrives best in dappled shade and although it will take full sun, the leaves may scorch. Plant it en masse under trees or as a specimen plant in a mixed border. And give it plenty of room to spread itself out. Garden care: To minimise the risk of powdery mildew taking hold ensure that the plant is watered well during hot, dry spells. To rejuvenate and minimise congestion, lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

Allium moly (golden garlic) £8.99
Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: May to June Hardiness: fully hardy Clusters of loosely-packed, star-shaped, brilliant yellow early summer flowers and grey-green leaves. This vigorous, golden garlic is perfect for planting in a light woodland area. The brilliant yellow flowers and strap-like foliage look spectacular next to the drooping heads of purple snakes-head fritillaries. Garden care: Split and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

Lithodora diffusa ‘Heavenly Blue’ (Lithospermum) £7.99
This prostrate, spreading evergreen shrub is smothered with masses of deep azure-blue funnel-shaped flowers over a long period from May to August. One of our recommended plants, it’s perfect for softening the edges of a sunny raised bed or rock garden outcrop with well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil. Position: full sun Soil: well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: May to August Flower colour: deep azure-blue Other features: hairy, deep green leaves Hardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Trim lightly after flowering