This is the very rare form of one of the most exquisite of all alpine plants, these gorgeous specimens opening large pure ivory-white flowers in April and May above fleshy evergreen leaves. Mature plants can flower at any time right into the late autumn. They are surprisingly bone-hardy with frost, but prefer to be kept in a pot in the alpine house or on a window sill, or grown on a sheltered scree bed or trough in the garden. They always prefer a rich well drained soil where the crown can be kept dry. Just a very few individual fertile seeds are collected each year which come 100% true white. ... Learn More

In late summer numerous bright golden orange 'turkscap' flowers with strongly reflexed petals open on very tall stems. This very fine vigorous Chinese lily, which likes a position in dappled shade, is virtually indestructible, and with just a little support, will form tall, fabulous clumps. R.H.S. 'AGM' Award Winner. ... Learn More

An unusual turkscap type lily from China, with strong stems bearing delicate pale pink pagoda flowers spotted with crimson that exude a strong sweet scent. A stoloniferous lime tolerant species, but it is not invasive, loving to run about in soft leafy soil with added humus that does not get too wet if possible. It does not appear above ground until late May but carries on flowering well into July. ... Learn More

A very unique martagon, with frosted buds and with blooms opening to a pale blush with yellow, then orange, with darker spots of brown . Flowering in June bringing a varying colour palette to the garden in just one plant. Best suited to full sun or partial shade with well drained or even moist soil.    ... Learn More

Reflexed, sweetly-perfumed, nodding flowers, brightest red in colour, are sometimes but not always, delicately spotted with black. Named pumilum for its relatively small size, this rare stem-rooting bulb with leaves that are slender and grassy, is native to Mongolia, eastern Siberia, Korea and northern China. ... Learn More

Incredible yellow-lipped, long-tailed, purple "snapdragons" on stout stems. These are arranged around the stems in groups of three, looking incredibly just like budgerigars! (Look at the botanic name - 'three birds'). Thin rubbery grey leaves. An exceptional, but rarely seen plant. ... Learn More

These famous berries have been popular not only because of their delicious sweet, sour taste but also because of their high level of benzoic acid, which is a natural compound that conserves products made with lingonberries. Lingonberries contain many other healthy compounds, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. As well as vitamin C, studies suggest that the high levels of antioxidants compared to other berries can limit the negative effects of eating high-fat food. The berries also contain tannins, which can have an effect on urinary tract disorders, and like cranberries, lingonberrie ... Learn More

From Chile comes this handsome but curious plant bearing dark green, lobed, acanthus-like leaves. In summer, highly attractive bright orange-yellow, concave-petalled flowers open, each an inch or so across. But take care! This is one of the surprise plants of the Chilean woodlands as my legs discovered on our last Andean expedition. The entire plant, including the flowers, is covered with fine stinging hairs, just like a stinging nettle. Grazing animals keep away! ... Learn More

There is little to rival a mass planting of lupins glowing with colour in May and June. The tightly packed spikes of pink and white pea-shaped flowers are produced above a shapely mound of deeply fingered, mid-green leaves. These are excellent plants for any garden. Amongst the showiest of hardy, herbaceous perennials, they provide the border with strong shape and colour just when spring flowers are fading. Reliable and easy to grow. ... Learn More

Dense sprays of bright pink flowers arise on numerous long, thin sticky stems, which arise from compact rosettes of lanceolate leaves. A very attractive and long-lived plant which will grow in just about any position. ... Learn More

Making mature trees laden with fruit in warmer climates, (there are NOT the normal large oranges!) these smaller-fruiting plants also make attractive pot plants in colder climates, when they will produce fragrant orange blossom, followed by sweet fruit if kept warm. Mandarin is the blanket term for this group of fruiting trees, but is mainly used outside the USA, and the name Tangerine is the English word for the Mandarin. There are several groups of Mandarins, and the most desirable one is the Satsuma which is also the easiest to peel due to its loose leathery skin. These seeds have been coll ... Learn More

Unlike the common garden stocks, the white form of the fragrant tree stock is rarely encountered. Slowly, with age, it develops a trunk supporting several radiating rosettes of grey lanceolate leaves, each rosette producing spikes of sweetly perfumed white flowers. It is hardy and long lived in a sheltered well-drained spot. ... Learn More

In late autumn, fans of soft, lance shaped leaves similar to those of the freesias and irises arise, seldom more than 3 to 4 inches in height. In Spring, they flaunt their "fairy bells", each sending up a thin, wiry stem with alternate branches carrying a waterfall of dwarfish blossoms, that tremble in the slightest breath of wind. Every pale yellow or cream flower is less than a centimetre wide, and is etched finely along the centre of the pointed tepals with a fine, darker line. A choice and lovely South African plant, but just a very few viable seeds collected. ... Learn More

The stature and dividing branches of this lovely plant qualify it as the biggest clover plant in the world, a veritable tree clover! It opens its heavy load of white flowers in July and August when it is a major source of nectar for bees in apiaries, and indeed, its botanical name means "honey-scented white lotus". Its characteristic sweet odour, intensified by drying, is derived from the coumarins it produces. ... Learn More

This heirloom melon, first grown in 1881 in the greenhouses of England's Blenheim Palace, have thin, finely-netted skins and thick, fragrant orange flesh. It is just the right size (up to 2lb) for one or two servings and is perfect for smoothies. It grows well in short season climates. ... Learn More