From the high limestone cliffs of Turkey comes this rare little plant with pendulous clusters of palest yellow flowers from May to August. En-masse these resemble melting wax, and as they age they turn blue and pink. The foliage consists of a small cushion of bristly tufted stems, with densely hairy narrow spoon shaped leaves. This perfect plant for a sunny, well drained site in a crevice, wall, raised bed or a scree sets very few good seeds. ... Learn More

Small spikes of silvery-mauve flowers open above grass-like evergreen leaves, before maturing into attractive bright blue berries. This unusual plant, NOT a grass, but an unlikely member of the lily family, is stolon forming and tuft forming, and in time will make a spreading, weed-stifling carpet of evergreen foliage! It is superior to Ophiopogon japonicus, a Mondo Grass that has become increasingly popular in the last few years, particularly among garden designers. In the wild it has a wide distribution from the Himalayas to Taiwan. ... Learn More

Opuntia ficus-indica is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant important in agricultural economies throughout arid and semi-arid parts of the world and is thought to possibly be native to Mexico. Flowers vary from red to yellow, all producing sweet, succulent, but pippy fruits. ... Learn More

Superb, slow-growing, tight cushions of fine silver leaves produce tight buds with pale pink flowers. Preferring a dry sunny spot, this is a rare and unique plant only available in small numbers. ... Learn More

An extremely beautiful and very rarely seen cottage garden treasure. Massed heads of large, ivory white, doily-like flowers carry larger 'petals' around the perimeter, over sprays of fine, parsley-like foliage. Performs best when subsequently allowed to self-seed, seeds taking quite some time to germinate as a rule and seedlings are best left undisturbed. ... Learn More

Three-foot-tall scapes bear large, waxy, white, green-striped blooms with yellow stamens in late May and June. This long-lived, easily cultivated and well-behaved, giant snowdrop relative is perfect for the sunny perennial border. On sunless days the blooms will remain closed, rendering them invisible, their petals blending in with the flower stalks. But as soon as the sun appears, a burst of brilliant white stars and bells will dazzle your eyes! A common name for these sun lovers is "Sleepy Dick" (?), referring to their usually late-in-the-day “awakening”. It is a complete puzzlement why this stately species with beautiful white flowers is so little seen in gardens. ... Learn More

Tall slender spikes of starry pale green and white flowers appear extremely early in the year, sometimes as early as Christmas. This rare and fascinating British native has the extraordinary quality of having young flower shoots which may be eaten as a vegetable, similar to asparagus. The common name "Bath Asparagus" comes from the fact it was once abundant near the English city of the same name. ... Learn More

An amazing, non-chlorophyll producing, parasitic plant, attaching itself to the roots of its host plant without actually harming it. Produces bizarely beautiful, orchid-like, purple-veined cream flowers on wax-like stems. ... Learn More

Definitely an unusual tree with many names, for many reasons. Growing up to 18 metres tall, it is native to the Indian subcontinent where is it used for foodstuffs, medicines and dyes. The large leaves which grow up to a metre in length, are borne on leaf stalks which are up to 2 metres in length. As these leaf stalks wither, they fall off the tree and gather at the base of the trunk where they look like 'broken bones'. The tree is a night-bloomer and flowers are adapted to natural pollination by bats. Enormous seed pods are produced, with the fruits (up to 1.5m long) curving downwards like swords, giving the name "tree of Damocles" . A very unusual tree and a conversation starter for any gardener! ... Learn More

Resembling a giant sisyrinchium with large, dark inky blue flowers, this showy Mexican plant will show of its best in a hot well-drained position where it will slowly clump up giving reliable midsummer colour. ... Learn More

Incredibly lovely pale Wedgwood blue starry flowers appear above thin iris-like leaves. This plant was originally grown in a friend's Australian nursery, but grows and flowers unprotected here and produces a rare and valuable colour in the garden. ... Learn More

Brilliant, deepest cobalt-blue, large starry flowers adorn this beautiful iris-relative from Australia and South America. Hardy in a well-drained position and worth any effort for the colour alone! ... Learn More

Compact bunches of incredibly lovely pale Wedgwood blue starry flowers appear above thin iris-like leaves. This plant was originally grown in a friend's Australian nursery, but grows and flowers unprotected here, and produces a rare and valuable colour in the garden, where it is very long-lived in a well-drained spot. ... Learn More

Native to East Asia and China, this little known annual is edible and known as the Bluebell of Japan for its prolific spread across the country. A member of the mustard family, its violet flowers are a beautiful addition to the garden. Growing to around 60cm tall and 30cm in spread, it grows pale green basal leaves around 15cm long. The leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked into dishes. Flowers are around 3cm across, and are produced in racemes of up to 25 flowers. Petals appear in a cross shape, with four petals surrounding a yellow eye. Blooms from late spring to early summer. Enjoys a well draining soil and full sun. ... Learn More

Compact basal tufts of long grassy leaves give rise to attractive, woody flower panicles which are incredibly fine and airy, starting from late spring and lasting all winter. These benefit from then being cut back to the ground to encourage new flower spikes and growth from the old base and also to avoid the plant becoming too large and prostrate. This incredibly graceful plant is rare and almost unknown but really should be more widespread. It is well established in the grounds of Highlands College, Jersey, where it may be a garden escape, and also in West Kent in the UK. ... Learn More