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aka Periwinkle

Periwinkle. A vigorous little ground-cover with glossy green, narrow foliage topped off with small white starry flowers in spring and summer. Will cover the ground quite quickly and can easily be trimmed back if it gets too carried away. Likes semi-shade and protection from harsh frost. Evergreen.

Periwinkle is very easy to grow but does not like soil that completely drys out in summer.

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aka Periwinkle

Periwinkle. A vigorous little ground-cover with glossy golden leaves edged with gold, small blue starry flowers in spring and summer. Great for lighting up a shady corner. Grows quickly and can be trimmed back if it gets too carried away. Likes semi-shade and protection from harsh frost. Evergreen.

Periwinkle is very easy to grow but does not like soil that completely drys out in summer.

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aka Sweet Violet

Sweet Violet. This old-fashioned favourite is a great plant for shady spots in the garden where it will quickly cover ground with its heart-shaped dark green foliage. Dainty stems of fragrant purple flowers winter to spring. Easy to grow and quite hardy. Perennial. Charming.

Did you know that the Violet flower contains a compound known as ionone which temporarily desensitizes the 'smell' receptors in your nose? After the first delicious sniff the violet fragrance will seem elusive. Don't worry after a few minutes your nose will recover to 'smell' another day.

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aka Poor Knights Lily

Poor Knights Lily is a stunning plant and well worth growing. A very slow growing plant with fans of flax-like leaves up to 1m high. Its striking red flowers occur on tall stems in Spring but it takes up to 7 years to flower. When root-bound it will flower more quickly and prolifically.

On the islands, the plants are fed with seabird droppings, which are high in nitrogen and phosphorous. You can simulate this with bird guano, which is sold at some garden shops, or online. Or you may use any slow-release fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen and phosphorous.

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aka Autumn Crocus, Rain Lily

Autumn Crocus with delightful white crocus like flowers in the autumn. Attractive grass like glossy green foliage, not dissimilar to tall mondo grass. They are excellent in rockeries or borders. H.30cm.