This extremely rare plant is possibly not in cultivation and exists in profusion in just a few secret places in the southern Chilean Andes where these very few seeds have been grown in cultivation. Very perennial and hardy down to at least USA zone 8, it makes a steadily-increasing tuber which yearly produces scrambling stems bearing finely divided blue-green foliage beneath masses of five-petalled yellow flowers. In 1833 William Hooker and George Arnott described Tropaeolum polyphyllum subsp. gracile. This scarce plant, which resembles a dwarf T. polyphyllum both in growth and also smaller se ... Learn More

Sheets of dazzling scarlet flowers cascading amidst pretty, delicate, divided leaves, adorn this gorgeous plant throughout midsummer. This fabulous Chilean native prefers peat to be incorporated into the soil, when it will make countless, long-lived hardy tubers. It is happiest when planted under dark shrubs, when it will soon establish and scramble over them, especially boring evergreen ones that have either finished, or are yet to flower. Finally, in late summer and autumn, bright blue shiny berries are formed. Just a few hundred fresh seeds are collected here every autumn! We collect less a ... Learn More

Purple and white flowers adorn this aromatic herb, along with dark purple stems and narrow green leaves. Widely used for both culinary and health benefits, a valuable addition to any herb garden. It has a milder flavour when compared to sweet basil, and is used extensively in Thai and Vietnamese cookery.Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or can also be grown in pots on a sunny windowsill. ... Learn More

Splendidly fragrant cream coloured flowers, tinged with greenish yellow at the centre, are displayed on upright stems emerging from dusky-green fleshy foliage. A sweet almond-like fragrance emanates from the flower at evening time on this distant relative of the onion family, which will make a good addition to a rockery, or can be displayed perfectly in a good terracotta pot, where it will be happy in a conservatory or cold greenhouse. For best results keep the plant moist during spring summer but allow it dry out a little over winter. ... Learn More

This dwarf species from Iran and Turkey, with narrow leaves and bright golden yellow flowers which are bronzed on the outer side with reddish brown ribs, is a long-flowering miniature botanical tulip, which holds both its leaves & flowers close to the ground. April blooms are followed by ornamentally appealing seed heads. It is justly a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit. It is native to the northern shore of Lake Urumiya in Azarbaijan, and is named for that lake. It also grows along Lake Rezaiyeh in northwestern Iran. ... Learn More

A 19th century Italian heirloom which is quick maturing and well suited for cooler climes. The medium-sized roots, with a sweet and mild flavour are very flat with a bright purple top and a white base below soil level. ... Learn More

An exotic looking pea relative with vibrant unbranching inflorescences, densely covered with vibrant purple/pink flowers. A beautiful ornamental widespread in tropical Asia and Australasia but can be grown elsewhere as an annual or when given winter protection. ... Learn More

These famous berries have been popular not only because of their delicious sweet, slightly 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, li ... Learn More

A wide assortment of all of the medium and larger verbascums, in many colours, collected from our gardens. The lazy gardener can just sprinkle this large packet where required. ... Learn More

This most attractive mullein pushes up long, strong spires, which carry numerous side branches each up to 2 feet long, bearing purple-centred yellow flowers from spring until late autumn. A generous packet to fill your garden. You could even just sprinkle them around and let them come up as nature intended. ... Learn More

This lovely, bone hardy, long flowering plant from Nova Scotia has many-branching candelabra type flower-heads, each spike of flowers slowly expanding as it ascends the stems, just like sparklers burning but in reverse. This is a valuable addition in that rarely seen true-blue colour. You may discover the occasional pink-coloured variant amongst the seedlings and these should be removed on flowering. ... Learn More

Viola collina, commonly known as Hill Violet, is a delicate perennial that graces landscapes with a subtle tapestry of tranquility in spring. As a member of the Violaceae family, this modest violet species captivates with its heart-shaped leaves and dainty flowers, offering a gentle nod to the arrival of the season. Unfolding its charm with heart-shaped, scalloped leaves forming a low, spreading rosette. Amidst the verdant foliage, dainty flowers emerge, showcasing shades of violet, lavender, or soft blue. The simplicity of these blooms, coupled with their sweet fragrance, evokes a sense of ... Learn More

The complete spectrum from our cottage garden with small or medium-sized flowers, colours ranging from pale yellows through bicolors to dark blues. If you're feeling really lazy - just sprinkle this lot over your worn-out rockery for a beautiful display! ... Learn More

The "Devon Violet" or "Sweet Violet" must be too well know to need a description, but for the record, makes a creeping carpet of fragrant leaves (yes!), and long-stemmed, perfumed blue flowers opening with the snowdrops in February, and on into spring. This is botanically the single form of the "Parma Violet", which normally has double or semi-doubled flowers, and never sets any seed, having to be propagated from cuttings. ... Learn More

Viola odorata 'Alba,' commonly known as White Sweet Violet, emerges as a dainty and fragrant perennial within the Violaceae family. Celebrated for its simplicity and purity, this cultivar of the sweet violet charms with its delicate white flowers and the sweet, nostalgic fragrance it imparts to early spring gardens. Unfolding its allure with heart-shaped leaves that form a low-growing rosette. Rising above the foliage are ethereal, five-petaled, white flowers with a contrasting yellow center. The blooms, often delicately veined, exude a sweet fragrance that lingers in the air, attracting po ... Learn More