Triteleia laxa (previously Brodiaea laxa), is a dwarf lily known by several common names, including "Ithuriel's spear" and "Grassnut". It produces a tall, naked stem topped with a spray of smaller stalks, each ending in a tubular purple-blue flower, opening into a sharply six-pointed star. This unusual decorative plant, which is native to California and Oregon, grows from a corm which is edible and apparently similar in taste and use as the potato. ... Learn More

In early summer erect stems bear umbels of funnel-shaped, purple-blue flowers. Too rarely seen, this plant is a perfect item for naturalising as its narrow, linear leaves soon die completely away after flowering leaving a clear patch for flower coming later. It spreads perfectly, and without any problems by self-sown seeds making a superb, slowly spreading carpet. ... Learn More

Dazzling orange double flowers are borne on long stems above dense finely cut foliage. This member of the buttercup family likes to stand in part shade and to keep its feet wet, and is a perfect choice for the bog garden or a damp woodland patch, where it will shine out at you from midsummer onward. It can be inclined to seed freely, so if you are lucky you will soon have a superb bed of these gems. ... Learn More

This most attractive plant has dark green, deeply-cut leaves, and bears flowers which resemble egg-yolks both in shape and colour, the name "globe flower" referring to the petals which are curved over the top of the flower. This attractive and easy-to-grow native wild flower of Europe and Western Asia, prefers moist soils in full sun or light shade. ... Learn More

A dwarf, compact species forming a small mound of delicate, shiny green leaves, above which open large, glistening, single yellow buttercups over several weeks. These plants are equally happy in sun or partial shade and will often bloom a second time in areas with cool summers. ... Learn More

Very large flowers with petals formed flat like a plate, open in spring above mounds of attractive shiny green foliage. A long-lived plant that is bone hardy in moist soil that does not dry out. ... Learn More

From the Western Mediterranean comes this beautiful xeric plant with semi-woody branches and glossy leaves with marked veins, all topped by showy, golden-eyed, lemon-yellow flowers. It will perform best in a rich, well-drained soil in a sunny spot throughout the year. ... Learn More

Purple and white flowers adorn this aromatic herb, along with dark purple stems and narrow green leaves. Widely used for both culinary and health benefits, a valuable addition to any herb garden. It has a milder flavour when compared to sweet basil, and is used extensively in Thai and Vietnamese cookery.Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or can also be grown in pots on a sunny windowsill. ... Learn More

These semi-evergreen, delicately fragrant white flowers with spreading petals, bear a remarkable likeness to miniature daffodils and are borne in bunches above fine, grass-like foliage. A valuable dwarf rockery plant. ... Learn More

Splendidly fragrant cream coloured flowers, tinged with greenish yellow at the centre, are displayed on upright stems emerging from dusky-green fleshy foliage. A sweet almond-like fragrance emanates from the flower at evening time on this distant relative of the onion family, which will make a good addition to a rockery, or can be displayed perfectly in a good terracotta pot, where it will be happy in a conservatory or cold greenhouse. For best results keep the plant moist during spring summer but allow it dry out a little over winter. ... Learn More

Fragrant, pale purple, tubular flowers open in large terminal umbels in late summer and early autumn on this strong-growing rhizomatous perennial. It has grey-green basal leaves which are long, narrow, strap-like, slightly fleshy and smell strongly of garlic when bruised. This attractive ornamental plant is also ideal for the herb garden, as the leaves and flowers can both be used in salads and other dishes. ... Learn More

Tulipa batalinii, commonly known as the Batalin tulip, graces gardens with its vibrant presence during the spring season. A member of the Liliaceae family, this tulip variety distinguishes itself with its unique blooms, adding a burst of color to the garden. Floral Elegance: The Batalin tulip boasts blooms with petals which unfold in a symphony of hues, ranging from warm yellows to striking oranges. This tulip variety brings a sense of freshness and vitality to the garden, making it a captivating choice for springtime displays. Tulipa batalinii showcases a graceful growth habit, typical ... Learn More

This is a gorgeous two-for-the-price-of-one flower! Performing in mid to late spring with grey-green foliage, when the flower is closed, the exterior of the petals are rose with a tiny white edge, but when the flower opens it shows the bright white interior. It really is like having two flowers for the price of one! And they can self-seed too! ... Learn More

This is the lovely yellow form of Tulipa clusiana which is larger and taller than the original form. The exterior petals are cardinal red with a tiny yellow stripe, but inside is primrose yellow. When the flower opens the amazing bi-colour effect is quite startling! ... Learn More

Deepest blood-red cup-shaped flowers on short stems open in earliest spring . Growing wild on the stony hills of North West Iran, it is happy in cold gardens, but like most wild tulips it is best kept in a well-drained spot in the summer. There is no need to lift it as it will happily grow, and indeed spread, in the same position for many years. Richard Wilford in his indispensible book "Tulips" writes “This really is one of the most alluring of the smaller tulip species.” ... Learn More