IMPORTANT NOTE: At times, especially during the summer, plants may be cut back or pinched out if they are too far advanced to ship whole. This encourages annuals and biennials to produce extra flowering stems, so no bad thing! Perennials will establish well for next year, but may or may not flower this year, depending on species. In some instances top growth may be woody or sparce (e.g. Anthemis tinctoria), but don't worry, the plants are perfectly healthy and will soon produce fresh foliage! Please contact me if you would like to enquire about specific plants.
NCG 080
Acer griseum AGM
Paper Bark Maple
A small to medium sized ornamental tree which lends interest to the garden at all times of year. Small, yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by fresh green foliage in spring and summer, then spectacular orange, red and pink autumn foliage in autumn. At all times of year the chestnut-red…
A plant of many names! It has variously been called, Devil's Nettle, Hundred-leaved Grass, Lace Plant, Milfoil, Nose Pepper, Nosebleed, Sanguinarya and Soldier's Woundwort (to name just a few), some clearly referring to its medicinal properties, others to its appearance. Whilst many cultivars are available, this wild flower is white…
'The Pearl' produces sprays of small, white, double flowers on wiry stems about 24 inches/60cm high, with narrow, toothed leaves. A spreading plant which is not too difficult to control in lighter soils. The blooms tend to last longer if the plant is sited in part shade, but full sunlight…
Little white nodding bells on slender, red stems appear from late summer above bright-green, grass-like foliage. This is an attractive and unusual plant for the front of the border. Although said to prefer full sun, mine are in part shade and flourish there. Classified as half hardy, but generally long-lived…
I am offering here not only mixed-colour seeds but a selection of packets containing seed collected from individual plants that I thought particularly pretty, but they cannot be guaranteed to come true. (NOTE: Seeds from black hollyhock are listed separately.) p>
Although strictly speaking a perennial, this very popular cottage…
My favourite alchemilla - the delicate, deeply cut, silver edged leaves of this small plant are altogether more refined than those of other varieties. Lovely at the front of the border and useful in containers. Sprays of tiny yellow-green flowers on wiry stems appear in spring and summer.
Much daintier than the familiar Alchemilla mollis, this miniature variety looks lovely at the front of the border or in containers. Sprays of tiny yellow-green flowers on short, wiry, reddish stems appear in spring and summer.
Although crow garlic is often considered a weed (the bulbils produced at the tip of the stems fall to the ground and can cause it to spread rather too eagerly!), if you don't have space to grow proper garlic but would like to add a hint of fresh garlic to…
Flowers in a range of colours, from white through warm yellows, oranges and reds to shades of pink, on strong, straight stems with glossy foliage. Prefers soil that is not too limey.
A spring-flowering plant, having a cone of inflorescences surrounded by 4-9 white bracts which look like petals. This plant needs moisture and should always have its feet in water, so is a good choice as a marginal pond plant. It has many uses, ranging from herbal to crafts (for instance,…
With its masses of creamy-yellow daisy-like flowers on wiry stems with finely divided aromatic foliage, this drought-tolerant plant is a bright and cheerful choice for dry areas, although it will be happy in most soils. Cut back hard in the autumn to encourage strong new shoots in the spring. The…
There is a large clump of the single white variety of this familiar and much loved cottage garden plant established behind the pond, and it often self seeds true, so I am confident that the seeds on offer will produce white plants, though there could be some cross-pollination. The foliage…
A mixture of single, double and ruffled plants or seeds in a variety of colours - dark-purple, blue, white and pink. I'm also offering packets containing seeds from specific plants, but there may be some cross-pollination.
Note: Plants, when offered, may be bare-rooted, depending on season.
Italian arum 'Marmoratum', Variegated Cuckoopint, Lords-and-Ladies
Beautiful plant for shade!
The boldly marbled, arrow-shaped leaves appear in autumn and last right through most of the year. Seedlings may look unpromising at first, but as the plants grow the leaves develop their beautiful markings. Plant under trees to light up dark areas. When plants are on offer they are usually self…
Resembling an astilbe, but larger and more vigorous, this stunning plant gives a wonderful display of creamy-white, feathery flower plumes in late spring to early summer. The flowers retain their freshness longer in more shady areas, but the plant will also perform well in full sun. Well deserving of the…
A very unusual Aster that appears to have green petals - but in fact it has no true petals! Makes a good cut flower. Seems to exude a nectar which ladybirds like.
This lovely astrantia produces masses of the usual pincushion blooms, which are pink with green tinges. But it really comes into its own in early spring, when the young foliage has strong white and green variegation. The white changes to cream and then yellow as the season progresses, and eventually…
This astrantia form, with its white pincushion blooms, which are tinted green, is happy in shade and is said to repel slugs, so try planting near hostas. Makes a very good cut flower which lasts well and also can usually be successfully dried for winter arrangements. Although harvested from plants…
A variation on one of the most recognisable and popular cottage garden plants, 'Sunset Buff' produces double (and perhaps the occasional single) flowers in soft, peachy tones with red backs. Makes a nice addition to small flower arrangements, so cut often to encourage repeat flowering and to keep the plants…
This evergreen, mat-forming perennial has small, grey-green leaves and produces a veritable carpet of small white blooms in late spring through to early summer. A wonderful plant to grow at the front of borders or tumbling over walls. It requires very free-draining soil as it does not like its roots…
Delightful in all respects, this highly scented perennial chamomile has feathery leaves and inch-wide, creamy-white double flowers. Best planted in containers or at the edge of borders, where, when brushed against, both leaves and flowers release their strong, sweet, apple-like fragrance. NOTE: Depending on season, plants are sometimes supplied as…
So reminiscent of English cottage gardens! Masses of soft, double flowers in reds, pinks, mauves and white. This variety produces tall plants. Make a lovely cut flower.
A white-flowered version of the more familiar purple/blue, this climber, which must usually be treated as an annual in the UK when situated outside, but can be successfully grown as a perennial indoors if warmth and some humidity are provided, is the perfect choice for a sunny, sheltered wall, trellis…
Masses of pure white, semi-double blooms with yellow centres (with perhaps the odd single) throughout the summer, on tall stems with finely divided foliage. Drought tolerant. Some say it is unnecessary to thin direct sown plants. Soil that is too rich may result in tall, lanky plants. I cannot guarantee…
The plant from which these seeds were sourced has grey-green leaves with delicate, feathery flower spikes which turn from cream to a deep pink as the year progresses.
An heirloom variety, dating back to 1895, which has stood the test of time and is very suitable for growing in the UK. The fruits are ribbed, dark-green with heavy white netting and the deep-orange flesh is very sweet and fragrant.
The beautiful white flower spikes of this variety are enhanced by the foliage, which is covered in fine white hairs, giving a silvery appearance and silky to the touch. Can be grown as an annual, flowering in its first year if sown in January or February.
This most unusual and exotic looking plant looks as though it should need a heated conservatory to survive, but it is in fact quite hardy. A straight stem topped with clusters of spiky, greenish-white flower heads grows from a pineapple-like rosette of fleshy, toothed leaves. The picture really does not…
This drought-tolerant plant, with its finely divided grey-green foliage and shiny creamy petals, looks wonderful near the edge of the border. Cut quite hard back after the first flush of flowers and it will quickly regenerate and flower well into autumn without becoming too straggly. They will happily grow in…
The flowers of this interesting, shade-loving plant are very soft, pale green, sometimes with a red margin and are leathery in texture. It is a haven for hibernating ladybirds, which can be found nestling in and around the flowers all winter.
This delightful plant, which is usually treated as an annual in the UK, produces creamy flowers with dark burgundy centres on stems clothed with dark green, lobed leaves. Each flower only lasts a day but in the right conditions it will bloom profusely, followed by very attractive seed pods, throughout…
The seeds offered were mostly from the variety illustrated, but from a couple of others too. In any case, they are very unlikely to come true, but it could be fun to see that they produce and you may even discover some unique variations of this attractive shade-loving plant!
I've never known anyone unfamiliar with this delightful plant not to request it when they see it in bloom in the garden! The domed flower heads are composed of masses of small blooms, lime green at first, turning creamy-white (and almost spherical) when in full bloom and a lovely parchment…
This unusual and most attractive sedum ariety forms clumps of grey-green, fleshy leaves and the flowers are a mixture of cream and pink. It is much loved by bees and other beneficial insects.
NOTE: Depending on season, plants, when available, may be trimmed back and/or barerooted for shipping.
Black henbane produces soft, downly leaves and strange, but beautiful, pale creamy-yellow flowers intricately veined in purple. The seed pods are also rather attractive; they have a little round lid which falls off when the pods are ripe, releasing the seeds. All parts of the plant are toxic.
This beautiful plant deserves to be better known. The soft, downy stems bear masses of 2 inch diameter bright-yellow daisy-like flowers from late summer to autumn, which go on to develop equally attractive, cream-coloured, fluffy seed heads. The flowers are much loved by butterflies and bees, and the seeds by…
An unusual woodland iris with dingy yellow/brown flowers with a purplish tinge, arising from stiff, sword shaped foliage. The flowers are followed by large green seedpods that open to reveal neat rows of bright red seeds. Don't be put off by the name - any smell is only apparent when…
Although unscented, the everlasting sweet pea is most attractive grown against a sunny wall, trellis or fence - or permitted to grow through a large shrub or small tree - and provides masses of flower stems. Very suitable for cutting. These seeds are gathered from Lathyrus latifolius 'Alba' and are…
This mixture of sweet peas in pink, red, blue, mauve and maybe occasionally pale yellow (lathyrus chloranthus). Something of a Jamboree bag, but will no doubt produce some attractive plants and all will complement each other!
False Lily-of-the-Valley has beautiful, heart-shaped, mid-green leaves, which are shiny and textured with deep veins. Slender spikes bearing waxy, creamy-white blooms appear in Spring and early Summer, followed by green berries, which later turn translucent red. Prefers shade and nitrogen-rich soil, making this a good plant for underplanting in woodland…
A very useful plant for front of borders, baskets and other containers. The flowers are mostly yellow and red, but occasonally orange or cream. Although strictly speaking a perennial, best treated as an annual. For best results, ensure that the plants receive adequate water supplies, and cut back after flowering…
Mina Syn. Ipomoea lobata Syn. versicolor 'Exotic Love'
Mina Lobata, Spanish Flag
Recently re-classified as a member of the Ipomoea genus (Ipomoea versicolor) and sometimes referred to as Quamoclit lobata, but still more widely recognised as Mina lobata... whatever you prefer to call it, this stunning half-hardy annual climbing plant is a must! Attractive foliage is followed by spikes of flowers that…
A fascinating plant! Clusters of waxy, bell-shaped flowers in shades of cream, pink and green appear in early summer, dangling on tall, slender stems. As the seed pods develop the flowers turn upwards. In some European countries the plant is more likely to be found in the vegetable plot than…
This unusual tobacco plant first appeared in the garden in the summer of 2011. Height is variable, but can reach 1metre or more, with many branching stems bearing masses of narrow, tubular flowers which are greenish-yellow, with small, usually red-tinged, lips.
Fennel Flower, Nutmeg Flower, Roman Coriander, False Black Cumin, Black Seed
Similar in many respects to the more familiar Nigella damascena (Love in a Mist), but the flowers are smaller and usually white, occasionally pale blue, on delicate stems clothed in very finely divided foliage. In Asian countries the seeds are traditionally used in rice dishes and confectionery. They are also…
The blooms of this (sometimes short-lived) perennial variety of evening primrose are scented in the evenings, the fragrance being reminiscent of a combination of lemons and lilies. It has a rather more lax, open habit than the more common Oenothera biennis. The flower buds are a soft creamy-yellow, darkening to…
This gorgeous paeony, with its blue-green foliage and large, soft creamy-yellow flowers and rich golden stamens, followed by interesting seed pods that are crimson red inside with blue-black seeds, is a much recommended herbaceous perennial. It can be challenging to grow from seed if not sown absolutely fresh, but well…
Delightful single, double and semi-double poppies in a variety of reds, white and pastel shades. They look beautiful grown in drifts - much recommended!
So delightful! Extra large, pure white, paeony-type double flowers (occasionally semi-double or single). Shorter in stature than common opium poppies, and very attractive as a bedding plant or cut flower.
Both strikingly attractive and delicious, Borlotto beans, with their soft-red and creamy-white markings, sweet flavour and creamy texture, can be used both in casseroles or as an addition to salads. (There is no need to soak fresh beans before cooking, but if you intend to dry and store your crop,…
Indian (a.k.a. American) Pokeweed, Inkberry, Pidgeonberry
Although invariably referred to as American pokeweed (P. americana), the variety seen in UK gardens is almost certainly Indian pokeweed (P. asinosa). Both look very similar, but P. acinosa has vertical upright inflorescences, whilst P. americana has lax flower stems, single spherical fruits rather than clusters - and is not…
This pale-yellow variety of cinquefoil is a wildflower that makes a lovely addition to the cottage garden but is relatively unknown and rarely to be found for sale. It flowers for many months, from Spring and right through to the first frosts. Will gently self-seed.
Spring would not be Spring without the primrose! The soft yellow blooms of this familiar native wildflower arise on short stems from basal rosettes of crinkly, light-green leaves. Seeds itself around happily but is not difficult to control.
This traditional cottage garden plant is a must! Easy to grow, and making a wonderful cut flower, the blooms are coloured from white and cream to various shades of blue, on tall stems. As a bonus, both seed heads and foliage are attractive.
Native to southern Europe, this most unusual plant produces fragrant, pale-blue spherical flower heads, but is grown primarily for the seed heads which follow... these are silvery and surrounded by unusual maroon and green bracts. They make a wonderful cut flower and dry extremely well.
Small pale yellow flowers with deeper yellow eyes on spikes above soft, greyish-green, sword-shaped leaves. Although strictly speaking a perennial, this plant seeds itself happily and the younger plants develop quickly and are often more attractive.
Originating from South Africa, the harlequin flower is a very showy choice for containers in late Spring. All the flowers, which are not long-lived but appear in succession to provide a long flowering period, have a dark halo around a yellow centre, but the colour of the outside of the…
This attractive, small tree or large shrub, originating from northern China, has a rounded habit and bears fragrant, creamy-white flowers in mid- to late-Spring which are attractive to pollinating insects.
A lovely woodland plant with a rosette of light-green round, lobed foliage and slender stems bearing insignificant, but nonetheless attractive, downward-pointing bell-shaped flowers down their length, sometimes creamy yellow, sometimes tinged with pink.
This exotic bulb in shades of red, yellow, white and cream is happiest in full sun in moist, well drained soil (add grit to the planting hole if soil is heavy). Tigridia can endure the cold, but for complete safety, in all but the mildest areas it is advisable to…
A trailing vine, usually used as ground cover, with bold creamy-yellow and green variegation. Pretty purple flowers and inch or so across appear sporadically from spring right into autumn. The plant spreads by rooting along the stems where they lie on the ground and can become quite dense, but can…
A fast-growing half-hardy annual that will provide a wealth of colour throughout the summer months and into autumn. Large blooms in shades including pink, cerise, scarlet and orange. Much loved by pollinating insects and great for flower arranegments.