ALBIZIA
Albizia is a stunning tree for small gardens. It really has a difinative 'African Jungle' look. It likes full sun and as the leaves are finely cut allows plants to grow underneath or enough sun to sunbathe! It is fast growing so is great for establishing in a new yard.
CROCOSMIA LUCIFER
The most stunning of red flowers, that are held above lush green spiky leaves. The foliage grows to over 1 metre high. A wonderful plant for a large container that gives foliage interest throughout the summer and an explosion of scarlet flowers throughout July/August. Can be bought as a ready grown plant in pots or as dry bulbs in spring.
A tea garden is a great asset to those that like herbal tea. Mint and lemon balm make delicious herb teas ( simply cover a sprig of leaves with hot water and leave to infuse for five minutes). Both these plants are thugs and can easily take over a garden but when confined to a container they are easy to keep under control.
Chamomile tea is made from the daisy-like flowers - choose 'flore plena' which has more petals and less bitter.
We've found a great window box thats just right for growing a tea garden. It's nickel-plated powder coated in a super green. It stands out thanks to its plain functional style.
Eryngium x zabelii Jos Eijking
A longlasting sea holly with the most stunning electric blue flowers. It starts flowering in June and lasts well into the autumn. Great as a container stand alone plant.
www.crocus.com £6.95
Durable Egg Planters that are great for small potted plants. Available in 8 hand carved glossy colour combinations. www.jschatz.com
CONES
Cone hanging baskets are stylish with their well defined shape. They are also very practical giving plants a long root run to the base of the cone. Always use a specialist container compost when filling baskets as they contain water retention granules to help with watering and slow release feretilizer to feed all through the summer. Most at the moment are woven from various materials from rattan to banana leaf. Sizes are mainly in the 30-35cm diameter range.
Make your own cone hanging basket with http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/cone-hanging-basket/
Astrantia major sub. involucrata Shaggy
Wonderful green/white flowers perform above dark green deeply cut leaves. It flowers from late May into June.
Great for containers but requires a good water retentive compost.
www.crocus.com £6.95
A great idea and environmentally friendly. Hide your gaudy grow bags with this stylish if a little rustic grow box, made from old floorboards and pallets. Available in a high or low format. From £55 + £7.50 p&p.
Stunning new fuchsia for 2008, Fuchsia Satellite - its four corolla petals look like tiny satellites orbiting the stigma. Wonderful carmine colour with a semi-trailing habit. Plant in a tall container to get the best view.
