Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'
brook thistle
Spectacular, deep crimson thistles appear on erect stems in July and August above spiny, dark green leaves. This handsome, towering thistle is a valuable addition to a summer garden and looks equally at home in a wildflower meadow, beside water or in groups among other perennials. Although it will tolerate dry conditions and partial shade, it does best in a moist, sunny border.
Luzula nivea
snowy woodrush
Small evergreen grass with sprays of pretty white flowers
£7.99
1.5 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Geranium himalayense 'Gravetye'
cranesbill
Large, purple-blue flowers with reddish centres
£8.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Sanguisorba 'Tanna'
burnet
Elegant spires of red flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Papaver orientale 'Patty's Plum'
oriental poppy
Deep reddish-purple, pleated flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
available to order from summer 2013
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'
sage
Dazzling purple blooms
£4.99
9cm pot
available to order from summer 2013
Prairie
Indulge a passion for ornamental grasses by creating a prairie- or meadow-style garden. They can be richly planted with native wildflowers or a selection of complementary perennials and self-seeding annuals to create a naturalistic planting effect. Prairie gardens often...
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A Chelsea favourite - this lover of cool, damp soil produces a tight cluster of ruby-red thistles, neatly encased in criss-crossed black scales, on tall branching airy stems
Val Bourne - Garden Writer