PLANT THESE

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’

Arching dark pinkish fluffy plumes bleach in autumn to silverywhite. Needs a rich, moist, well-drained soil. H1.8m (6ft) S50cm (20in)

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’

Deciduous shrub with small cream summer flowers, reddishpurple autumn leaves and crimson stems that glow in winter sun. H and S2m (6½ft)

Bergenia ‘Bressingham Ruby’

Neat, clump-forming evergreen perennial with superb, polished burgundy leaf colour in winter, and magenta bell-shaped flowers Apr-May. H and S50cm (20in)

Helleborus foetidus

Our native ‘stinking hellebore’ – but don’t be put off! Clumps of fan-shaped leaves and pale green maroonedged flowers. H90cm (3ft) S50cm (20in)

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’

Cascading green and yellow hummocks fade in autumn to reddishgold. Rich, moist but well-drained soil. H and S35cm (14in)

Tulip ‘Couleur Cardinal’

In April this plummyred, scented tulip is a vibrant partner for acid greens or red tints. Well-drained soil and sun. H35cm (14in) S10cm (4in)

Tulip ‘Evergreen’

Exceptional green tulip contrasts beautifully with bergenia flowers May-June. Sun or part shade in well-drained soil. H60cm (2ft) S10cm (4in)