CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Lemon grass

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.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Citronella grass

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.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Gay Feather

Gay Feather. This will tickle your fancy - tufts of grassy foliage and flower spikes of violet that resemble a small 'feather duster'. They are unusual in that they open from the top downwards. Flowers from mid Summer. Excellent cut flower. Prefers full sun, well drained soils. Perennial.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Gay Feather

Gay Feather. This will tickle your fancy - tufts of grassy foliage and summer flower spikes that are a soft purple shade and resemble a small 'feather duster'. They are unusual in that they open from the top downwards. Butterflies and bees love them. Plant in the sun in well drained soil Perennial.

This perennial has quite a hard thickened corm-like root stock which will form a clump and eventually can be divided.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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