Dawn’s top 10 Chelsea favourites

Mathiasella bupleuroides ‘Green Dream’

Architectural plant with nodding green flowers. It’s frost tender so needs winter protection. H1m (3ft 3in) S60cm (2ft)

Ammi majus

A billowing, architectural cow parsey with dainty white flowers that add a lightness to a late May garden and are great for cutting too. H1.5m (5ft) S50cm (20in)

Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’

This is a well-behaved but darker-leaved version of the cow parsley seen each May in our hedgerows. H90cm (3ft) S60cm (2ft)

Astrantia major ‘Claret’

These pincushion-shaped flowers are a wonderful deep ruby colour, with deeply lobed leaves. Gorgeous with grasses. H90cm (3ft) S30cm (12in)

Euphorbia palustris

Acid-green flowers add zing to borders at Chelsea time. Need to be wary of its milky sap, which is a skin irritant and toxic if eaten. H and S90cm (3ft)

Deschampsia cespitosa

A useful grass that will tolerate some shade and can add texture and a sense of movement to a planting scheme. H1.5m (5ft) S1.2m (4ft)

Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’

Gorgeous deep crimson thistle flowers held on towering stems. Prefers moist and sunny conditions. H1.2m (4ft) S60cm (2ft)

Papaver commutatum

Chelsea pensioners are strongly associated with the show, so poppies often appear in plantings – like this eye-catching ladybird version. H45cm (18in) S15cm (6in)

Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’

Feathery bronze fennel foliage is a favourite in Chelsea gardens, but remove flower heads as it readily self-sows. H1.8m (6ft) S60cm (2ft)

Digitalis purpurea

Foxgloves are a British native and in bloom at the perfect time, plus they add height and drama to any show garden. H1.8m (6ft) S50cm (20in)