This is one of the joys of the garden during spring when metre tall stems carry heads of large green and red bells. This is a very easily grown bulb which obligingly quickly dries off and disappears after flowering. Happy in any well drained sunny spot. Read more about Allium siculum
These deep red trailing blooms are thought to resemble plated pony tails. As they are so tough they are a reminder of 19th century gardens when these flowers were used extensively. Height 200cm space 30-60cm.
A selected strain of green 'Love-lies-bleeding' with large drooping tassels on a vigorous upright plant to 120cm. A tough and hardy annual. Sow from October in mild regions or from November after frosts in the cool inland.
So many people who visit the garden are intrigued by this easily grown annual. Growing up to 140cm tall it carries 80cm long dangling green flowers tassels from early summer until autumn. It is much sought after by flower arrangers.
Dwarf plant growing to 60cm tall carrying soft green upright flower spikes from mid-summer until late autumn. Makes an excellent cut flower and a long blooming border plant. Read more about Amaranthus cruentus ‘Green Thumb’
A new and exciting variety with strongly architectural spikes of orange-bronze flowers on a 100-120cm tall plant. Excellent cut flower as well as a terrific garden subject. Easily grown from seed sown in situ during spring. Read more about Amaranthus cruentus ‘Hot Biscuits’
Dwarf plant growing to 60cm tall carrying deep burgundy upright flower spikes from mid-summer until late autumn. Makes an excellent cut flower and a long blooming border plant. Read more about Amaranthus cruentus ‘Pygmy Torch’
A new, improved selection from Rotterdam in South Holland, growing to 90cm tall carrying deep burgundy upright flower spikes from mid-summer until late autumn. Makes an excellent cut flower and a long blooming border plant. Read more about Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Flare’
This Egyptian wildflower makes a fine addition to the garden and to a vase. 15cm diameter white lacy flower heads are produced on a strong 50-60cm tall, self-supporting plant. Sow seeds from mid-autumn until early spring.
A fine cut flower and garden plant this native of Egypt produces beautiful 15cm lacy heads of soft greeny white flowers. Last well in a vase and makes an exciting addition to a mixed border.
This dark purple variety could well have been growing in our garden here for a hundred years. It is very like the wild form of this species. Free flowering and self sowing it will grow 60cm tall by 40 cm across. Happy in sun or light shade.
Beautiful peach-pink flowers are held on sturdy stems. A fine strain first introduced in Germany 20 years ago. Height 45cm spread 40cm. happy in sun or light shade.
This easily grown annual has long been a star in the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s garden at Cruden Farm. Clear blue flowers each with a cream eye are carried for most of summer and autumn on 60cm tall stems. Read more about Browallia americana ‘Blue Lady’
From English seed house Thompson and Morgan comes this terrific new California poppy with double cherry red golden eyed flowers for many months during spring and summer. Sow seeds in situ autumn to spring.
Red Chief’ is perhaps the best red flowered Californian poppy with brilliant glossy fiery red flowers for many months during spring and summer. Sprinkle seed on the surface of the garden.
'Thai Silk Formula' mix is a stunning mix of fluted and semi-double bush types with a velvety texture bearing many two-toned flowers on 40cm tall stems. Easily grown in any sunny spot from seed sprinkled onto the surface of the garden. Sow seeds autumn to spring Read more about California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) ‘Thai Sik Formula Mix’
An old cottage garden strain of with very large flowers on a pyramid shaped plant. This strain has mostly the traditional “cup and saucer” shaped flowers with a large trumpet shaped bell sitting on a flat base. Read more about Canterbury Bells Double Mix (Campanula medium)