8 key plants

1 Nandina domestica In China, where it is known as the heavenly bamboo, this evergreen shrub is often placed close to thresholds to symbolise welcome. An extremely atmospheric plant. 2m. RHS H5†. 2 Hedychium wardii Dan considered using the showy Hedychium gardnerianum but this more recently introduced ginger lily is more robust and longer flowering. 1.2m. RHS H4.

3 Viola hederacea A diminutive, but vigorously mat-forming perennial, which is a key component of the luscious and imaginative ground layer of vegetation here. 10cm. RHS H4.

4 Disporum longistylum ‘Night Heron’ Dramatic, upright growth in the spring gives way to flowering and an opulent foliage display that lasts until the following spring. 1.2m. AGM*. RHS H3.

5 Canna x ehemanii Among the most magnificent of the canna lilies, with considerable heft and stature. The hot pink flowers are gracefully pendulous. 2.5m. AGM. RHS H3.

6 Equisetum hyemale This fast-growing horsetail has been indulged here for its remarkable forest of jade-green stems, which are articulated colourfully at every node. 1.5m. RHS H7. 7 Melianthus major A surreally exotic foliage plant of considerable drama. Frost will tend to devastate it at the turn of the year, but it can re-grow from basal shoots, and in this microclimate may well carry itself through the winter in leaf. 2m. RHS H3.

8 Rubus lineatus This bramble from the Far East is a subtly atmospheric foliage plant. Its palmate leaves are pleated and glossy above, but silky on the undersides, with barely any thorns. 1.5m. RHS H4.