Position: full sunSoil: fertile, humus-rich soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: July to SeptemberHardiness: half hardyAn unusual single dahlia, more delicate in appearance than most, this has dark chocolate-red petals surrounding distinctive, sulphur-yellow stamens. The stems are dark and wiry, and the foliage a lovely green-bronze. A superb variety that looks at home in many different situations, especially in a 'hot' border.

It needs a sunny site with fertile, humus-rich soil and makes an excellent cut flower.  Garden care: Stake with canes or brushwood as it becomes necessary. Deadhead and feed regularly to prolong flowering. Provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September.

Once the first...

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: June and JulyHardiness: fully hardyStately spires of semi-double, deep purple flowers with black eyes open in June and July on tall stems with pretty, deeply cut leaves. These dark-eyed delphiniums look fantastic planted in bold clumps as part of a cottage-garden scheme or towards the back of a well-drained, sunny border, where they will add height and bold splashes of colour. They make excellent, if short-lived cut flowers.Garden care: Protect young foliage against slug and snail damage in spring.

Stake with bamboo canes in mid-spring, before the flowers appear. During the growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks and wearing gloves cut back the faded...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drainedRate of Growth: average to fast-growingFlowering period: May to JuneHardiness: fully hardyA useful geranium that will thrive even in damp or dry shade. This has smal, deep maroon-black flowers in late spring to early summer, held high above the soft-green, deeply lobed leaves, which are often blotched with purple. It will quickly spread to form a hummock of foliage that is excellent for suppressing weeds.

Use it in woodland, among ferns, at the edge of a border, where the dark flowers can be seen, or under deciduous trees.Garden care: In mid-summer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded by removing old flower stems and leaves. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: any soilRate of growth: average to fastFlowering period: April to MayHardiness: fully hardyCommonly known as elephant's ears, because of their large, leathery, oval leaves, bergenias have become fashionable again, thanks both to the number of new cultivars that have appeared in recent years and to their usefulness in the garden. Bergenias are low maintenance, evergreen, will grow in sun or shade and tolerate a wide range of soils, including dry soils and clay. Abendglut has vivid magenta flower spikes in spring and dark-green leaves, tinged with maroon, that are retained throughout the year.

A favourite of Edwardian garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, and plantswoman Beth Chatto, this sturdy plant should be planted in groups as ground cover...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: any well-drained soilRate of growth: fast-growingFlowering period: May and JuneHardiness: fully hardyClusters of insignificant, green flowers appear in May and June among small, lustrous, green leaves with yellow margins. This popular, bushy, variegated, evergreen shrub makes excellent groundcover and is a mainstay of low-maintenance gardens, but it also makes a good foil for more ornamental, golden-leaved shrubs. It is tough and will thrive in any well-drained border in sun or partial shade.Garden care: Tip prune young plants in mid to late spring to encourage bushy growth and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.

Remove any plain green-leaved shoots as soon as they appear...

Clusters of pure white, pea-like flowers from June to September and grey-green leaves. This vigorous flowering climber is ideal for training over a sunny wall. It tolerates a wide range of conditions, including alkaline soil - a useful consideration when selecting plants for an area recently cleared of builder's rubble.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast-growingFlowering period: June to SeptemberFlower colour: whiteOther features: flowers followed by grey-green pods containing poisonous, black fruitsHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted organic matter in the planting hole.

Pinch out the shoot tips to encourage bushy growth. Cut back the plant to ground level in early spring

Eye-catching pink-purple, pea-like flowers from June to September and grey-green leaves. This vigorous flowering climber looks lovely scrambling over a sunny wall. To provide it with a good start incorporate lots of well-rotted organic matter in the planting hole, tying in the stems to trellis or horizontal galvanised wires.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast-growingFlowering period: June to SeptemberFlower colour: pink-purpleOther features: flowers followed by grey-green pods containing poisonous, black fruitsHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted organic matter in the planting hole.

Pinch out the shoot tips to encourage bushy growth. Cut back the plant to ground level in early spring

Position: full sun or light shadeSoil: most well drained soilsRate of growth: averageFlowering period: August to OctoberHardiness: fully hardyPretty white flowers, tinged purple, with yellow centres appear from the end of summer to autumn. The flowers are produced in flattish clusters, hence the common name 'flat-topped aster'. They are one of the earliest asters into flower and each individual flower has petals which tend to curve downwards.

A great plant that produces clumps of mildew resistant foliage and easy-to-pick flowers. Butterflies love them too.Garden care: Stake with brushwood in early spring to support tall growth. Leave flower heads to dessicate through the winter when they will present an attractive garden silhouette.

Also a rich source of food for some or our native...

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of Growth: averageFlowering period: June to OctoberHardiness: fully hardyThis name translates as 'new snow in summer' and this effectively describes the soft, fluffy effect created by the fine, almost shredded appearance of this pure white daisy. Masses of large flowers with yellow centres appear from June through to October above clumps of grey-green leaves. It looks particularly good planted among other sun-loving summer flowers with a strong form, such as salvias and achilleas.

Bees and butterflies love all erigerons, so they make a wonderful addition to a wildlife garden. Garden care: The plant may need staking. Cut back flowered stems to encourage...

Incredibly dark, purple-violet flags carried on top of dark purple flowerheads are produced from April to May. This fabulous French lavender has extremely fragrant foliage and is perfect for edging a sunny path or border. As it's borderline hardy it is best grown in a container in colder areas of the country and should be over-wintered in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: mid-spring to late springFlower colour: dark purpleOther features: the aromatic flowers and leaves can be used for making pot-pourriHardiness: fully hardy (borderline) Garden care: Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded.

Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood