Golden-eyed yellow flowers open amongst attractive, densely-packed, silver-backed, vine-like, foliage. Originally found in Mexico, this unusual plant can be grown as either an annual or a perennial when it will become almost shrub-like. Its main claim to fame though is its astonishing ability to make the soil more fertile, and it is often grown entirely for this purpose. Incredibly, just to recap on your school chemistry, when used as an environmentally and ecologically sound fertilizer, it contains 1.76% Nitrogen, 0.82% Phosphorus, and 3.92% Potassium. By comparison, all three properties are lower than this in cattle manure, whilst Phosphorus is higher than in poultry and pig manure. ... Learn More

This novel and fascinating plant has bright yellow flowers which open in the morning before suddenly closing at midday, hence its common name of "Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon". But then the surprise happens! The previous day's enormous and impressive, apple-sized, "dandelion clock" opens with large radiating seeds, from huge ripe buds. It can self-seed if happy, but only in a small way. ... Learn More

The rare true species of Capsicum Pubescens is quite different from all other domesticated species of peppers, and indeed is the least cultivated and least widespread of them all. Readily identified by their black seeds and hairy leaves (pubescens means hairy), all of the various forms of this species have a distinctive flavour and heat that is different from all other peppers. Some of the cultivars are even hotter than the habanero! A valuable and quite significant trait of this species is its ability to withstand and even thrive in temperatures that are lower than the temperatures other pepper plants can handle. Although it takes a longer than normal time to mature, the plants grow huge, and in addition they are tough, resistant to diseases, infections and pests, and can tolerate cold more than other varieties. Visually they are one of the most stunning of chillies, resembling, even in size, red or yellow apples. Be prepared to let the plants grow to their full size, which can be 2m across and 1.5m high. In regions with mild winters, grown in the ground, they will live for many years, finally forming large shrubby bushes or small trees! The hairy leaves and stems are a deterrent to slugs and snails so it is resistant to pests, and it is completely unique in that it will not hybridise with other peppers. It is native to Bolivia and Peru and dates back to pre-Incan times. ... Learn More

This marginals and damp ground plant produces the well-known, most attractive dark chocolate-coloured seed heads which are frequently used by florists. Although it will grow in damp ground it performs best in water margins up to 50cm deep. It is reported that the roots have been used in Asia to combat dysentery. ... Learn More

This majestic perennial boasts striking slender spires of delicate, pure snowy-white flowers above dense green foliage. Flowering from June until August, this is an eye-catching addition to the cottage garden or can be dotted through a large herbaceous border to good effect, and is happy in full sun or partial shade. Especially impressive in a dark corner! ... Learn More

One of the most dramatic and popular climbers, the Japanese wisteria is a vigorous grower and is awash with heavy, sumptuous racemes of delicate lilac to mauve pea shaped, deeply scented flowers in early spring. A spectacular decoration for a pergola or wall, it can also be trained and grown as a standard to quite stunning effect. This spectacular climber lends an air of romance to any garden, witness the thick-trunked ancient specimens on many historic buildings...... ... Learn More

A magnificent, rare, choice, amazing, and extremely beautiful tree with gorgeous upright panicles of large white flowers with a dazzling deep red centre in late spring. Although it is completely unrelated, the attractive shiny leaves are similar in appearance to those of the common Mountain Ash. In a warm position it will produce large sized, walnut-like fruit that contain edible, cherry-sized seeds resembling small chestnuts. It was described by Joseph Hooker (Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew from 1865-1885) in 1887 as 'one of the most attractive and interesting hardy garden shrubs that has been introduced for many years'. It is native to northern China in the provinces of Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Liaoning, Nei Monggol, Ningxia, Shaanxi, and was originally collected near Beijing in about 1830 by the botanist Alexander von Bunge. A monotypic plant, it is the only species in the genus Xanthoceras. Fresh seeds very rarely obtainable. ... Learn More

Absolutely stunning, creamy-white orchid-like flowers have a showy, patterned lip, heavily pencilled in deepest red. These open on strong stems bearing attractive, banana-like leaves, in mid to late summer, and later appear the attractive bright red seed capsules which persist for a long time before the stem finally dies away in winter leaving a rhizome deep underground. ... Learn More