Arne Maynard
1 Vicia faba ‘Aquadulce Claudia’
A favourite broad bean that we have grown for many years . We sow directly in December for cropping in May and then sow again in February for early summer crops. It needs gentle staking with hazel twigs and twine to support its growth and generous pods. The beans are delicious blitzed with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning, spooned on to toast with a hint of chilli flakes. H 1m, S 45cm. AGM. RHS H5.
2 Brassica oleracea ‘Nero di Toscana’
The dark-green leaves of this stunning Italian heirloom kale are wonderfully decorative; they look amazing coated in frost and make a beautiful addition to the winter vegetable garden. We do two sowings for planting out in late March and early June. The leaves can be cropped regularly to add to pasta with olive oil and parmesan cheese. H 90m.
3 Tragopogon porrifolius
Salsify, also known as the oyster plant, is a favourite. The roots look like thin parsnips and can be cooked in a similar fashion. We grow it for its lovely softpurple flowers, which appear in May and make a beautiful addition to a meadow. The flowers unfold in the morning into purple stars and track the sun’s path. Once they fade, dandelion-like seedheads appear and disperse naturally in the wind. H 1m, S 40cm.
4 Helianthus debilis subsp. cucumerifolius ‘Italian White’
This elegant sunflower produces graceful, arching branches with masses of buds and flowers. The flowers are pale yellow, fading to white, and look beautiful nodding in the breeze. Although the stem is sturdy, it is worth adding a pea stick to the main stem during growth to ensure the branches are free to move in the wind and to enjoy the sunshine. H 1.5m, S 1m.
5 Cynoglossum amabile f. roseum ‘Mystery Rose’
A fabulous plant to direct sow among the borders in late winter or autumn or under glass for planting out in spring. Although relatively short-lived, it will produce plenty of flowers in early June and makes a wonderful understorey for other emerging flowering perennials. It will seed freely within borders and pathways. H 90cm.
6 Smyrnium perfoliatum
A vibrant summerflowering perennial with soft yellow-green flowers. We grow it in a shady border among hellebores, ferns and a mature witch hazel, where the flowers grow through the lower branches creating dappled light that reflects off the water in the stream. Once the flowers have faded and start to dry, remove the seedheads and place in a paper bag; a quick shake and you will have epic quantities of black seed to share. H 90cm. RHS H5.