The foam flower, Tiarella cordifoli, like lily-of-the-valley is a good subject for cool shady places, where it will spread out to smother weeds with its soft green pointed leaves.

The oriental poppy, Papaver orientale, is an eye-catching border plant bearing vivid but short-lived scarlet flowers up to 10an/4 in across. Cultivated varieties extend the colour range to pink, crimson and white.

Stokesia laevis is a wonderfully rewarding plant. It bears cornflower-like blooms of blue, lavender or creamy-white that are 10cm/4in across and continue right through the summer. Its long-lasting foliage and spreading habit contribute useful ground

Pelargoniums are often (wrongly) called geraniums, the name properly given to the hardy perennial cranesbill. Native to Africa, these tender species with their showy blooms are an essential element in hanging baskets, window boxes and tubs...