Top 5... wall-top plants

These mat-formers offer the ideal solution and will cascade over walls or raised beds

1 Aurinia saxatilis

Evergreen producing undulating mats of grey-green foliage. Clouds of small, yellow flowers from April. Any well-drained soil in full sun. H: 20cm (8in), S: 45cm (18in). Tip Ideal for use in seaside gardens. From www.macplants.co.uk; tel: 01875 341179.

2 Cytisus decumbens

Low, wide-spreading shrub with evergreen stems. Small, yellow pea flowers from late May. Any well-drained soil in full sun. H: 30cm (12in), S: 90cm (35½in). Tip Ideal for growing in impoverished soils. From www.dobies.co.uk; tel: 0844 967 0303.

3 Dianthus deltoides ‘Arctic Fire’

Easily grown alpine. Low mats of linear-leaved shoots. Clusters of eye-catching crimson-eyed, fragrant flowers throughout summer. Any well-drained soil in sun. H: 20cm (8in), S: 30cm (12in). Tip Trim off spent flowers to encourage more to form. From www.vanmeuwen. com; tel: 0844 557 1850.

4 Persicaria affinis

Perennial producing dense mats of weed-proof foliage, bronze-toned in autumn and winter. Short pokers of pink-toned to dark red flowers throughout summer. H: 45cm (18in), S: 75cm (30in). Tip Ideal for use in semi-shaded positions. From www.claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk; tel: 01686 670342.

5 Saponaria ocymoides

Vigorous, creeping plant producing hummocks of bright green leaves. Starry, sugar-pink flowers in late spring. Any well-drained soil in sun. Drought tolerant once established. H: 15cm (6in), S: 45cm (18in). Tip Useful for planting in rock crevices.

From www.bethchatto.co.uk; tel: 01206 822007.