C-D

Growing cacti is an addictive hobby and be much easier than commonly perceived. This premium cactus seed mix of a variety of species includes the famous and magnificent Saguaro Cactus. They germinate easily, grow slowly, but compared to many plants need relatively little care.

Calamintha nepeta is a very attractive bushy, perennial that should be in every garden. Clouds of tiny, lilac-mauve flowers appear in early summer and flower continuously from early June right through to late September. The leaves exude a lovely minty scent when crushed and the flowers are true bee pasture.

‘Indian Prince' has unique petals quite unlike other Calendula, the dark orange rays are in layers of orange, backed with rich mahogany red petals. Easily grown, sown direct in spring or in autumn, they are perfect candidates for cutting and flower arrangements.

Calendula 'Radio' is a old variety that was first available in the 1930’s and is now quite hard to find. It blooms with shining orange blooms with quill-like petals. Crisply defined and almost quill-like, they resemble a cactus dahlia rather than a calendula.

Cheerful and bright, use Calendula in beds, borders or containers. Calendula is prolific and durable, and like most hardy annuals it is easy to grow, simply sow where it is to flower. It is currently one of the top herbs used for medicinal use. Sprinkle salads and decorate cakes with the edible tangy petals.

Calendula officinalis 'Cut Flower Mix’ is a specially selected mix of colours and types, each with long stems designed for cutting. They grow to a height of around 70 to 80cm, are an excellent variety for borders and make a stunning cut flower. Clip spent flowers to achieve a longer blooming season.

Calendula officinalis 'Neon' is a true showstopper. The densely set, double flowers glow with deep orange petals each with bronze tips. Growing to a height of around 60 to 70cm they are the essence of early summer colour in the garden and make a stunning cut flower.

Calendula officinalis 'Pink Surprise' is a striking blend of colours with delicately ruffled blooms in soft yellow, peach and blushed apricot-pink. This hardy plant grows to a height of 45 to 60cm, it makes a bright impact in beds and borders and is a perfect candidate for cutting and flower arrangements.

'Sunset Buff' is a lovely, more subtle coloured calendula. It is the soft apricot-buff version of 'Indian Prince' with the same crimson petal backs. They grow to a height of around 60cm and a spread of 45cm, are an excellent variety for borders and make a stunning cut flower.

Blooming from late summer to well into autumn, Asters are invaluable for beds and borders, are easy and fast to grow and make an excellent cut flowers. Callistephus chinensis 'Ostrich Feather' produces large voluptuous blooms with re-curved petals in rich boudoir colours.

Callistephus chinensis 'Nova Unicum' is a form that is also known as a Needle or Spider Aster for its unique spider-like flowers. Unicum, meaning 'Unique' produces the largest flower size in this class. Extra large, double quilled blooms in a multitude of firework colours.

Callistephus chinensis 'Tiger Paw Pavlova' Mix has to be a contender for the title of 'The Most Elegant Aster' in the garden or in the vase. It boasts huge blooms with brightly-coloured, fine petals, each arranged in a swirling pattern. These large-flowered Asters with their unusual form, make a spectacular bouquet all by themselves.

A stately plant of distinction, Campanula latifolia var. macrantha 'Alba' is an outstanding plant for the border with tall upright stems bearing large, elegant white blooms in summer. A very hardy plant and one of the most adaptable. Use it in formal borders or set it free in a wild or woodland garden.

The cultivars of Campanula latifolia are all much loved border plants. Growing to a height of around 90cm, 'Amethyst' bears large, light purple, trumpet-shaped blooms in summer. It looks good towards the back of a border, in sun or partial shade, in a cottage garden scheme, in garden borders or even on the terrace.