CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Giant White Bird

Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the Giant White Bird of Paradise or Wild Banana are banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m and the clumps formed can spread as far as 3.5 m

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Spoon Leafed Bird of Paradise

Spoon Leafed Bird of Paradise. Elegant, exotic clump forming perennial with unusual, spikes of orange and blue blooms that resemble a bird's head. This variety develops rush-like, straight leaf stalks. Quite easy to grow in a sunny, well drained position with protection from frost. Evergreen.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Bird of Paradise

Elegant and exotic, clump forming perennial with the most unusual, tall spikes of orange and blue blooms that resemble a bird's head. Large, wide swords of blue-grey foliage. Quite easy to grow in a sunny, well drained position with protection from frost. Evergreen.

Strelitzia are quite frost tender when young but do become a little more hardy as the clump matures. They take a few years to flower but it you like a sense of drama in the garden it will be well worth the wait.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Aspire forms a bushy, compact, upright clump of dark-green leaves, bearing upright wands of deep rose flower spikes throughout the summer. The ideal size perennial for containers and edging. Perennial.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Speedwell

This is a wonderful little ground-cover mainly because of the colour it provides in late winter. The shiny green foliage with bronze tones forms a tight mat and starting from about August smothers itself in bright blue flowers and carries on doing so for months. Easy care, trim after flowering.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Periwinkle

Periwinkle. A vigorous little ground-cover with glossy green and cream, narrow foliage topped off with small starry blue 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.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Periwinkle

Commonly known as Periwinkle this useful little ground-cover has glossy green foliage and little bright purple flowers in spring and summer. Good for planting under trees or in woodland areas as it likes a little shade and protection from harsh frost. Can be trimmed if it gets too carried away. Evergreen.

I grow my Periwinkle in a tall narrow container where is drapes attractively over the sides. While this plant is quite easy to grow it will do better in soil that does not completely dry out in summer.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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.

aka Zantedeschia Calla Lily

Elegant marginal plant, will add a touch of class to any planting scheme. The large glossy leaves complement the funnel shaped bright white blooms. Happy in sun or light shade in the garden or a container .