Plants to use

STACHYS ‘BELLA GRIGIO’

Soft, silvery cottage garden plant that grows quickly into large clumps. Likes full sun or dappled shade and well-drained soil. H38cm (15in) S45cm (18in)

PENNISETUM SETACEUM

‘FIREWORKS’ Hardy in mild winters, the blades of this dramatic grass are striped hot pink, burgundy, green and white. Best in full sun in well-drained soil. H91cm (3ft) S61cm (2ft)

AEONIUM DECORUM ‘SUNBURST’

Large rosettes in soft green and creamy yellow stand tall on stout stems. Will stay smaller as a seasonal container plant in cooler gardens. H and S45cm (18in)

BACOPA (SUTERA CORDATA)

This container favourite has a trailing habit and starry white flowers that bloom all summer in full sun or part shade. Cut back hard in spring. H15cm (6in) S45cm (18in)

SEDUM ‘PURPLE EMPEROR'

Dramatic perennial sedum with dark purple fleshy leaves and ruby red flowers August-October. Ideal for front of border in sun or part shade. H and S45cm (18in)

SCAEVOLA AEMULA ‘PINK WONDER’

An exceptional annual that blooms from spring to the frosts in full sun or part shade. The fan-shaped pink flowers don’t need deadheading. H35cm (14in) S61m (24in)