Alcea ficifolia is a less-known variety of hollyhock. It is a perennial variety, with attractive palmate foliage. The plant produces many upright stems and has a busy form. Large, single saucer shaped flowers appear from May to October in a gorgeous variety of antique shades - cream, gold, rose, copper and plum.

Alcea ficifolia, with its pale butter-yellow single flowers is a most impressive plant. Reliably perennial, it produces many upright stems resulting in a bushy form. Very easy to grow from seed, it is extremely hardy and will flourish in full sun and rich soil. The long stems make for excellent cut flowers.

‘Chater’s Double’ give a wonderful mixed colour range of large, fully double flowers are nearly pom-pom in appearance. Rosettes of big hairy leaves will develop by autumn then die back before winter. It will bloom the following summer .... the word bloom being an understatement!

This gorgeous award winning Hollyhock has the distinction of being the shortest in the Alcea rosea family. “Queeny” is a dwarf Hollyhock that reaches only 60cm (24in) in height with fully double blooms. Unlike the tall varieties, it is a perennial that can also be used as an annual as it will bloom in its first year.

Hollyhocks are a mysterious and prolific flower with a long and rich history. Traditionally associated with cottage-style borders, the dramatic, near-black flowers of Nigra work equally well in a contemporary, minimalist garden. This unique variety creates an impressive impact against most backgrounds.

These wonderful old-fashioned flowers make an excellent backdrop for shorter flowers and blend into any garden with great charm and ease. If planted early in spring, Indian Spring will bloom the first year in wonderfully warm shades of ruby through pink and rose to white.

Hollyhocks are almost as easy to grow as sunflowers and would probably be grown as often if more gardeners were aware of their good nature. “Sawyers Single Mix”, with large single flowers in a range of colours from deep red to rose, grace this tall back of the border plant from summer to autumn.

Until a few years ago you would never have seen wild garlic on a menu, but these days is definitely a chefs' favourite. The whole plant is edible. The flavour is softer, more pleasant than cloves from garlic bulbs. The leaves have a vibrant colour that brings food to life.

Speckled and freckled and striped and stippled, the intricately patterned petals of the Alstroemeria flower are a wonder to behold. Don't be fooled by their delicate appearance, though; they are one of the worlds' most popular cut flowers, these lily-like flowers are as long lasting as they are gorgeous.

The Magic Carpet Snapdragon is a dwarf, low-growing plant that has a trailing habit that makes it excellent for containers or in window boxes. They are rust resistant and reliable, the blossom-laden flower heads bloom in spring to early summer in a range of exquisite colours.