PLANT OF THE WEEK

DIGITALIS – foxgloves are such an adaptable plant that can be grown in full sun or dappled shade.

These will self-seed and next spring I need to be careful when weeding this plot that I don’t rip out the seedlings and allow them to form their rosettes for flowering the year after.

GEUMS – these sparkle through, dotting their orange jewels about. Geums are just superb for their longevity – they will start in May and keep powering on through until autumn.

I’ve used ‘Totally Tangerine’ in my garden but I also like the red varieties such as ‘Mrs Bradshaw’.

ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS

If in doubt, plant some lady’s mantle – it really is one of the most useful perennials that will grow in challenging conditions.

I’ve used it in the dry ground beneath my birch trees where it is currently exuding good health and big heads of chartreuse yellow flowers.

The scalloped limey green foliage will brighten the dullest of areas and looks particularly beautiful after rainfall as pearly drops of water sit glistening on the leaves.

It is a vigorous self-seeder so if you like polite plants that stay where you planted them, it’s not for you! But if you have difficult dry or shady spots, or gravelled areas that need a bit of softening, she’s your lady.