EIGHT KEY PLANT S

1 Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’

The lacy, arching flower wands on the branching stems of this goldenrod cultivar bring an element of the wild into cultivated territory. 90cm. AGM*. RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b†.

2 Isotoma axillaris

Treated as an annual, this Australian native forms an icy blue flowering groundcover. 30cm. RHS H3, USDA 10a-11.

3 Salvia coccinea

This tender, flaming red salvia is treated as an annual and pinched to encourage branching. It provides a spark of colour throughout summer into autumn. 60cm. RHS H3, USDA 8a-10b.

4 Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’

Standing tall to match the height of ornamental grasses and beloved by bees as well as hummingbirds, ‘Black and Blue’ blooms throughout summer into autumn. 2.5m. RHS H3, USDA 8a-10b. 5 Lablab purpureus Purple hyacinth bean seeds are harvested each summer, dried and started as annuals in the greenhouse. After danger of frost in spring, they are planted at the base of each gazing-ball-topped tuteur plant support. 6m. RHS H1C, USDA 10a-11. 6 Helichrysum petiolare

With felt-covered leaves, the licorice plant survives stoically to trail over container edges. 22cm. RHS H3, USDA 9a-11. 7 Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’

Japanese blood grass can be invasive in warmer climates, but it is slower growing here. 40cm.RHS H4, USDA 5a-9b. 8 Tradescantia virginiana This spider lily is planted along the rill together with hostas. Cut down in late July, it reblooms in autumn. 90cm. RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b.