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aka English Lavender

Lavandula. Destined to become a favourite because of its ability to bloom the first year and to flower from early summer to early autumn. The grey-green foliage forms a compact mound topped with plump, rich violet purple flowers that are perfect for cutting for fresh and dried bouquets. Perennial.

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aka Spanish Lavender

Lavender. The Queen is crowned by vast quantities of dark pink flower spikes with unusually large 'wings' of paler pink which contrast nicely with her pretty grey-green foliage. This hardy variety tolerates both heat and cold and does equally well in garden beds, large pots and rockeries. Evergreen. Perennial

More tolerant of dry conditions than other varieties, but will still appreciate a good water during dry spells. Removing spent flower heads with prolong flowering.

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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.

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aka Chrysanthemum Sparkles

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.

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aka Chilian Iris or Snowy Mermaid

This is a hardy clump forming perennial with narrow flax-like dark green leaves. Tall spikes of white Iris-like flowers in spring. Likes sun or dappled light in well drained soil. Looks great planted en mass, as a border or amongst shrubs and perennials. Evergreen

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aka Ligularia

When I first saw this plant a few years ago it was a definite have to have. The deep maroon, large luscious round leaves have a hint of the erotic about them. Bright orange/yellow flowers appear in summer but are insignificant compared to the foliage. Yum.

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aka Elephant Ears

This is a bold specimen perennial that needs a moist location. It forms a mound of large, rounded dark, shiny purple-black leaves. Taller stems appear in mid summer bearing clusters of bright golden-orange daisy flowers. Superb for the back of the border, or at the waterside. Perennial.

An unusual centerpiece for a tub or large container. Both the flowers and leaves are great for cutting.

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aka Tractor Seat Ligularia

If you are looking for fabulous foliage then the leaves of the 'Tractor Seat' Ligularia are hard to beat. Large, glossy, green and textured, the leaves put on an outstanding display in a shady spot. Stems of yellow flowers in autumn-winter. Evergreen.

This plant is commonly known as Ligularia but is more correctly called Farfugium japonicum var giganteum

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Rukuhia Beauty is the perfect, shade loving, groundcover for smaller gardens with its lush foliage of dark green. Likes moist earth and a dressing of slow release fert to support its growth periods. Low maintenance plant with high return, looks great planted enmasse. Perennial

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aka Leopard Plant

Outstanding foliage plant with large lush rounded leaves decorated with yellow spots. The yellow daisy like flowers appear in summer but are not the main feature compared to the leaves. Will grow in sun or semi-shade, prefers soil that does not dry out too much in summer. Evergreen.