A popular perennial with florists because of the sprays of double white fragrant flowers held above the foliage on wiry stems. Does well in a sunny well drained spot. Cut back the first flush of flowers to encourage re-bloom. Doesn't like being moved so choose your planting spot well.

Though Gypsophila is hardy it is seldom very long lived - good drainage and deep alkaline soil that is not too heavy will help it thrive. Calcium and magnesium help keep the pH high and a side dressing of a little Lime wouldn't hurt either.

Japanese forest grass. This grass is a stand out for it's brightly variegated golden foliage made distinctive by it's edge of green near the leaf margins. Tolerant of sun or shade but too much shade will bring more green than gold to the leaves. Perennial

Gorgeous colour compliment for a shady area in your garden, on your path edge or through a woodland.

A cute succulent that is small clumping, large at the bottom and narrow to pointing as it stretches upwards in rosette form. The leaves spiral in a column formation and have white bumps on the outside if the leaves. Can be grown outdoors or in a pot on the office desk. Frost tender.

Strawflower. An interesting ground-cover plant that forms an attractive silver mat of foliage. Yellow 'everlasting' papery flowers appear in summer and can be used for dried arrangements. Thrives in a warm sunny spot with good drainage. Protect from harsh frost. Evergreen.

This NZ native hybrid has beautiful silver foliage on lax stems that root where they touch the ground i.e. it is an excellent ground-cover. In spring-summer papery cream flowers sit above the foliage. This plant is cold tolerant but must have open soil and good drainage to do well. Evergreen.

The silver-grey leaves of this South African perennial will combine well with other foliage colours. Forms a nice mat and in spring pretty 'papery' white flowers stand above the leaves. Loves the warmth and good drainage. Tolerates light frost only. Evergreen.

Blue Oat Grass. Highly desirable perennial 'grass' that has arching, blue-grey, needles of foliage that form a robust clump. Panicles of cream 'oat' like flowers appear in summer. Hardy and easy to grow as long as your soil is well drained. Looks great as an edging or mass planted. Evergreen.

Though this is generally a neat and tidy 'grass' it can be sheared back to encourage new growth if it starts to look a bit scruffy. This is usually done in late winter - just before spring.

An attractive soft-wooded short lived perennial that has clusters of deep lavender flowers with an alluring 'Cherry Pie' fragrance. Happiest in a sheltered position in part shade with protection from frost. Good for containers.

Winter Rose. This range of Hellebores has a tight petaloid forming around the centre of each flower, which fall off once the flower is pollinated - the flower is then single. Very pretty and free flowering winter-spring. Plant in humus rich soil for best results. Perennial.

Clifton Homestead N.Z.'s premier grower of Hellebores tells us that these hybrids will tolerate some sun but probably best to still give them some shade in the afternoon. The colour range is mainly from white through to pink.

This hellebore is just stunning, with masses of deep burgundy red flowers on red stems from winter through to mid spring. This is the first red hellebore with dark green marbled leaves. Forms a compact clump. Plant in full to part shade. Prefers well drained soil. Evergreen. Perennial. PVR.