There is little doubt in our minds that this new plant from The Far East is the most attractive hardy lychnis in the world. Grown in rich moist soil it is desired by all. Flowers with deeply slashed and serrated blood red petals in clusters above pale lemon-green foliage. ... Learn More

This exceptional flower produces dark burgundy leaves with very large, vibrant red-orange flowers from late spring to summer and even sometimes into autumn. It epitomises what gardeners desire, with its small stature, and enormous dazzling vermilion flowers, which are 2" or 5 cm. wide, flaring above the chocolate-bronzed foliage. It is ideal for a sunny position in the border, container or even the alpine rock garden, as this tough and hardy plant is easy to grow and long-flowering. ... Learn More

Dense sprays of bright pink flowers arise on numerous long, thin sticky stems, which arise from compact rosettes of lanceolate leaves. A very attractive and long-lived plant which will grow in just about any position. ... Learn More

Compact long-lived bushes bear small purple and white flowers in early summer followed by plump, juicy, sweet red fruits bursting with vitamins and minerals, which are produced all summer long, right up to the first frosts. These easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant tomato relatives will grow in any soil, are hardy down to -15c, and can produce 1-2kg of fruit when only 2 years old! These have now been acknowledged as one of the main so-called 'superfruits', a marketing term referring to a fruit which combines exceptional nutrient richness and antioxidant with a pleasant taste. Also known as Wolf Berry, they have actually been established in England for centuries despite the recent upsurge in popularity. ... Learn More

A new, rarely-seen, and very attractive hardy perennial plant with thin spires of pink-eyed, creamy-white flowers which are held stiffly above clumps of distinctive, thick, rubbery, grey-green leaves. A most valuable flower on account of its mid-summer flowering period! ... Learn More

"Large Yellow Loosestrife" has been a cottage garden favourite since ancient times. Perennial roots produce stiff spikes of funnel-shaped golden flowers which appear throughout the summer and early autumn. A superb, long-lived cottage garden flower that also does well by water! ... Learn More

A seldom-seen plant making a slowly spreading cushion of small leaves, which is studded with small, starry, yellow flowers seemingly all the year long. On a rockery or edge of a pathway it will make trouble-free colour for many years. ... Learn More

Spires of rosy-purple flowers are produced for a very long and valuable midsummer period from July until September, when many plants are well over flowering. This lovely plant grows perfectly in ordinary soil, but in a wet spot, or even pond edge will excel. ... Learn More

Musky-perfumed, rose pink bowl-shaped flowers profusely stud the stems which are clad in soft green fingered leaves. "One of our most beautiful natives." (G.S.T.) This gem will gently self-seed only if it is happy. ... Learn More

This is the more unusual white form of the timeless fragrant cottage garden plant and this lovely form has beautifully contrasting pale pink stamens. A perennial, slightly shrubby, and sometimes evergreen plant, it gently self-seeds but only where it is happy. ... Learn More

This attractive flamboyant wild flower produces flowers consisting of five vivid-pink petals marked with dark stripes. on repeatedly dividing hairy stems. It is a lovely, trouble-free plant to naturalise, or for a wild garden or even a dry bank where it will positively thrive. As with many wild food plants, the common mallow has also had a long history of medicinal use. Due to its high mucilage content, mallows make excellent soothing demulcent herbs, especially for cases of inflammation, either for the urinary, digestive or respiratory systems. ... Learn More

Although the rare "Mandrake" was once considered an aphrodisiac, all parts of it, especially the large, yellow, tomato-like fruits which follow the brown and yellow flowers, must be treated as poisonous. There are two forms or species, this one which flowers in the autumn, and the other, Mandragorum officinalis in the spring. A large number of halucinogenic and pharmaceutical chemicals are derived from this ancient plant, and although many flowers open, very few ever produce any viable fruits at all, hence the regrettably high price. Traditionally, a dog pulled up the man-like roots and their scream reputedly killed all who heard it! ... Learn More

Although the rare "Mandrake" was once considered an aphrodisiac, all parts of it, especially the large, yellow, tomato-like fruits which follow the brown and yellow flowers, must be treated as poisonous. There are two forms or species, this one which flowers in the spring, and the other, Mandragorum autumnalis, in the autumn. A large number of halucinogenic and pharmaceutical chemicals are derived from this ancient plant, and although many flowers open, very few ever produce any viable fruits at all, hence the regrettably high price. Traditionally, a dog pulled up the man-like roots and their scream reputedly killed all who heard it! ... Learn More

Greenish-yellow flowers open from a central bud which lies at the centre of the two diametrically opposite, broad, fleshy, leathery leaves. The pollen has a yeasty odour along with a sugary, jelly-like nectar, and in the wild this is to attract the pollinating rodents, including gerbils, which pick up pollen as they feast! This unusual species, native to dry area of the South African Cape and Namaqualand, has anthers which are longer than on other species in the Cape. ... Learn More

Broad leaves lie flat on the ground, with their upper surfaces covered all over with little threads which are tightly packed so that they look like velvet. In between each leaf pair is a tightly compressed wispy tuft of white to cream coloured flowers, like a little shaving brush. Being dwarf, this plant is ideal for pot cultivation as it naturally makes small bulbs. Most species are winter growers and bloom early so need to be started into growth in late summer, early autumn. They are easily grown from seed, making long-lived pot plants, each year increasing in size. It is local in the South African Cape area where it is found in dry areas. ... Learn More