Position: full sunSoil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: June to SeptemberHardiness: half hardyThese velvety, dahlia-like, chocolate-maroon flowers have a delicious aroma, reminiscent of the best Belgian chocolates. One of our recommended plants, they're particularly suitable for a sunny, exotic garden or a planting scheme based on 'hot' colours. Garden care: In autumn after the foliage has died back, reduce the stems to within 5cm (2in) of the roots. Lay in a tray of soil or compost and over-winter in a frost-free environment until early spring.

Chrysanthemums were prized by Gertrude Jekyll for their fresh colour contribution to the autumn scene. This trouble-free selected form is easy to grow, producing twiggy, branched stems which support large sprays of open single daisies in a warm apricot pink. Capable of reviving a flagging planting later in the season, they associate well with Asters and Sedums of the same period and are a good contrast to vertical grasses.

An excellent cut flower for the harvest festival! Position: full sun Soil: well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast Flowering period: July - October Flower colour: Apricot Other features: make good cut flowers Hardiness: fully hardy but protect from excessive winter wet Garden care: Inserttwiggy prunings early in the season to provide invisible and effective...

A strong growing columbine with nodding pure white flowers on upright stems. These appear in late spring and early summer in clusters of 5 -15 and have long spurs which can grow to 8cm in length. These long spurs are said to have evolved as a way of attracting pollinating insects.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, but well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May-JuneFlower colour: whiteOther features: finely divided grey or blue-green leavesHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Sow seeds in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring, but they hybridise freely so they may be different to the parent plant.

Remove spent flowers to prevent seed production if no...

The deep crimson-red flowers and hairy, dark green leaves of this ornamental comfrey make an excellent groundcover. This is one of the less invasive varieties, so a better choice for smaller gardens. it makes a good companion for ferns and shade-loving woodland plants, but it's best sited away from smaller, less vigorous species.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, fertile soilRate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: May-July Flower colour: deep crimson-redOther features: contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation; the roots and leaves may cause severe discomfort if ingestedHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Mulch with well-rotted manure in spring to give it a treat, but it really is very low maintenance plant.

A terrestrial or epiphytic, evergreen fern with long, leathery dark green leaves. Grown for its attractively pinnate fronds, it ideal for growing in walls or can be secured into trees where it will give a tropical look to any garden. It can also be planted at the front of a shady border where it will spread indefinitely.Position: full sun or dappled shadeSoil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, gritty or stony, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Wrap the rhizomes in moss and tie to a suitable rooting medium and keep moist until established.

Shelter from cold, drying winds

25% off the 5 litre plant, was £11.95, now £8.95 Large, egg yolk yellow, daisy-like flowers with prominent, almost black, cone-like centres from July to October. This elegant coneflower looks wonderful planted in bold drifts towards the back of a sunny, well-drained border. For the best results chose a site that doesn't dry out over summer and support with ring stakes or brushwood well before the flowers appear.Position: full sunSoil: moderately fertile, preferably heavy but well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: July to October Flower colour: egg yolk yellowOther features: blue-grey leaves; excellent, long lasting cut-flowersHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Lift and divide congested colonies in autumn or spring.

Support with ring stakes or brushwood well...

Elegant sprays of tiny, white, bell shaped summer flowers borne on wiry stems above neat mounds of large, chocolate brown and burgundy leaves. This attractive heuchera looks particularly effective planted in drifts. With virtually evergreen foliage it's an excellent, front of border groundcover plant for well-drained sites in sun or partial shade.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist or well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to AugustFlower colour: whiteOther features: large, chocolate brown and burgundy leavesHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early autumn and replant with the crown just above the surface of the soil...

A terrific heuchera that's perfect for adding colour to the garden. In late spring, sprays of brownish flowers appear but this heuchera is really grown for its exciting foliage. It has rich, shiny, undulating leaves in a range of colours from amber to peachy bronze with hot pink undersides.

The evergreen foliage is perfect edging a border, along a path or even in pots on the patio.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist or well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: JuneFlower colour: brownishOther features: tolerates full sunHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early autumn and replant with the crown just above the surface of the soil...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drainedRate of Growth: averageFlowering period: June to AugustHardiness: fully hardyLarge deep blue, saucer-shaped flowers with distinctive white centres from June to September among deeply divided mid-green leaves. This lovely cranesbill is a comparatively recent introduction, valued for its intense blue blooms and long-flowering season. It's excellent for supressing weeds at the front of a mixed or herbaceous border or as part of a blue colour-themed scheme.

Garden care: In midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.

Position: partial to full shadeSoil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: averageHardiness: fully hardy An evergreen fern with bright green, broad, leathery fronds and distinctive black stems. It is sometimes called holly fern due to the distinctive shape of the fronds. This fern has an upright habit and looks particularly attractive among other ferns or woodland plants in a shady border.

but it does need humus-rich soil to thrive in. Garden care: Remove old fronds in spring to allow the new growth to uncurl. do not allow to dry out.