
Artichoke
Cynara scolymus. Attractive perennial, useful for its flowers which make delicious eating when harvested prior to flowering. Cut down after harvesting to promote resprouting in autumn.
Data sheet
My friend Paulette grew these from seed, and these are cutting raised plants from selected seedlings. Apparently the flowers are edible, I love the perfume and they flower forever with no fuss. Best in border or rock garden, rich pink flowers.
Perennial Chamomile, an indispensable herb for soothing teas and a gentle disinfectant for cuts and eye inflammations. Plant closely with thymes for a Chamomile lawn or just grow a few clumps in the herb garden. Distinct from German Chamomile which is the annual variety best grown from seed.
Prostrate wooly thyme only 1 cm high, plant as lawn or amongst stones, gravel or pavers for ground cover.
Rose pink flowers in mid summer, great foliage aroma, makes amazing tea which is sweet like licorice. Add spear mint or thyme for cold drinks, add to salad, etc.
A popular and easily grown culinary herb that will form an excellent ground cover and cascade over a bank or wall.
Edible santolina, said to add the flavouring of olives to marinades and baked dishes. Combine with thyme, rosemary, basil and tarragon flavours. Attractive and abundant yellow pompoms.
Ornamental perennial from South America, with attractive white trumpet flowers and a sweet scent. A spectacular infill plant in mass plantings and backgrounds, best in part shade.
Alchemilla mollis. Ancient medicinal plant preferring part shade and clay soils, although generally easily grown. Attractive foliage and lime green flowers, winter deciduous.
Close relative of Echinacea angustifolia, also used in herbal medicine, sharing many similarities. I find it a better garden plant, more vigorous and productive in growth, and manages better in winter wet.
Strong landscaping variety with bushy growth ideal for mass planting or hedges. Blue flowers in summer and drought tolerant once established.
Ancient long cultivated food plant which provides delicious berries as well as leaves that can be used for tea and medicinal purposes. Easy to grow.
Parma type with sweet fragrance, soft lavender lilac double flowers, perfectly placed near a doorway or garden pathway where its subtle perfume can be appreciated.
'Russian Sage'; attractive blue flowers over grey foliage in mid summer onwards. An extremely drought hardy and frost hardy plant that likes well drained soil. Good for hedging and cottage garden with Lavandula 'Hidecote', Iris and blue geraniums.
Vigorous form with pale flowers and larger leaves than other varieties. Vertical upright growth, suitable for specimen or hedging.