Lemon balm loses much of its flavor when dried, so it is a seasonal delight to be enjoyed while the weather is mild and the plant is green. However, enough of the fragrance remains when this herb is dried to make it a delightful addition to potpourri.

Like many other herbs, lemon balm can lose its flavor in cooking, so add it near the end of the cooking process. The fresh lemon fragrance and flavor go nicely with both chicken and fish dishes, as well as fruit and fruit juice drinks. Create your own herbal tea by cutting a few stems of lemon balm (plus any other appealing herbs), putting them in a pitcher, pour boiling water over them, and allow them to steep for about 15 minutes. Enjoy your tea hot or over ice.

Tall, densely tufted, aromatic clumping stalks. Foliage is cut before fully mature. The tender white part of the stalk is used for adding to dishes, the remainder can be used for stocks, dried or a cuppa tea. Arching leaves of pale blue green colour to 90cm long. Semi-hardy perennial that goes dormant in winter.

Used in Asian cookery. Pour boiling water over sliced leaves and steep for 5 minutes for Lemongrass tea. Sweeten as desired. Can be dried for tea, potpourri or cooking.

Fragrant swaying grass that will add texture and movement as well as contrast among more compact plants. Used in cooking and for making tea. Ideal container plant or in a border or garden bed.

The oil is antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral. Also used as an antidepressant, to soothe aches and pains, to relieve stress. If drunk before bed will induce sleep. Effective for headaches and respiratory problems. Pour boiling water over sliced leaves and steep for 5 minutes for Lemongrass tea. Sweeten as desired. Can be dried for tea, potpourri or cooking.

Shasta Daisy. What a wonderful undemanding plant this perennial is and now in a gorgeous new colour. Large, soft lemon daisy blooms stand on top of sturdy stems above dark green foliage. Fabulous to pick and long-lasting in a vase. Easy to grow in the sun, will spread nicely. Perennial. TM.

From the shasta daisy family this new improved form has gorgeous fancy fringed central petals on large blooms throughout the summer and into autumn. Great for picking or en masse in the garden. The flower is cream to lemon with contrasting deep yellow centre. They have improved disease resistance.

Deadhead to encourage repeat flowering

From the shasta daisy family this is a new improved form. This variety has attractive fresh white flowers with a soft yellow centre which curve back from the centre when fully open on large blooms throughout the summer and into autumn. Great for picking or as a mass garden effect.

These plants have improved disease resistance.

From the shasta daisy family this is a new improved form. This variety has attractive soft yellow petals with a bright yellow centre on large blooms throughout the summer and into autumn. Great for picking or as a mass garden effect.

A top performing perennial with attractive silver green dissected foliage topped off with fresh white daisy flowers with a cheerful yellow centre. With regular dead heading 'Sparkles' will flower from spring to autumn. Happy in the sun with protection from harsh frost. Perennial.

'Sparkles' is also happy in coastal gardens and will even tolerate dry spells making it a perfect choice for containers and baskets. NB This does not mean that you can forget to water it entirely though, like the rest of us a refreshing drink is appreciated from time to time.

Shasta Daisy. What a wonderful undemanding plant this perennial is and now available in this new double form. Large, white, frilly daisy blooms stand on top of sturdy stems above dark green foliage. Fabulous to pick and long-lasting in a vase. Easy to grow in the sun. Perennial. TM.

The correct botanical name for this daisy is Leucanthemum x superbum 'Paladin'. Pronounced 'Lew-kan-thee-mum soo-perb-um referring to the plant being superb rather than any reference to its posterior!

From the shasta daisy family this is a new improved form. This variety has attractive soft yellow petals with a bright yellow centre on large blooms throughout the summer and into autumn. Great for picking or as a mass garden effect.