JAPANESE STRAWBERRY

This strange-looking plant is a cross between a strawberry and a raspberry. It forms a small, low-growing shrub (up to 45cm/1½ft tall) that dies down each year before returning in spring and can easily slot into a border or be grown in a container on the patio. It requires no training and although not as sweet as strawberries or raspberries, it can serve as a useful ‘snacking’ plant in July and August to graze on while you’re doing a spot of weeding in the border. It’s also a great novelty fruit to use to garnish puddings or well-earned garden cocktails! Grow in soil that drains well but isn’t too quick to dry out in summer and water well in warm spells to ensure a good crop of fruit.