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in all stages of its life from bud to corpse) and with flashes of red field poppy.Isatis is easily propagated from seed sown in the autumn and can make an interesting and unusual addition to a border. However, should you decide that you want to enter

was the best sun in ages and these lovely bugs have started to appear, just as they always do at this time of year, sunning themselves on the south-facing fence, and the leaves of the ivy growing all over it. They won't stay that colour for long, and I expect

?) to accompany the long asparagus bed that came into its own this year. Both are delicious and highly ornamental.At the moment we only have autumn-fruiting raspberries (mostly 'Tulameen' and a few 'Autumn Bliss', both excellent), so we are going to plant some

candied stems to decorate cakes. Early flowering and rich in nectar, angelica is a vital food source for early bees and hoverflies. Birds also eat its seeds in autumn.AngelicaCarum carvi is a hardy biennial with feathery bright green leaves. It produces

If grown in the right spot, tulipscan flower for years on end, adding a splash of dramatic colour to gardens every spring. But they can be difficult to grow in heavy soil or partial shade, only thriving in a light, free-draining medium in full sun

to a warm, sunny patio. Colder autumn weather will finish off plants grown outside, but last year I was still picking fruits grown under glass in December.Of course, when it comes to chillies you must decide how much heat you can take. 'Anaheim

of a bit of colour and, lo and behold, up steps the parrotia to perform. Its common name is Persian ironwood and, unsurprisingly with that name, it is native to Northern Iran: in particular the Alborz Mountains.I first met this tree in my mother

, an easy-to-grow bulb that produces flowers during August, filling that colour gap between summer perennials that have passed their best and autumn ones that are yet to start flowering.My lilies have already been planted, but bulbs may still be available

the colour of cherry stains. As they fade and dry out they turn, so the seedheads are facing upwards. Even when they have disintegrated they still retain a certain elegance way into autumn.Don't forget that this week is the Malvern Spring Show. The first

Although it's been a mixed summer weather-wise, I've still given my collection of succulent plants a 'holiday' outside, lining them up along a path to create a simple display. These tender succulents - aeonium, sedum and echeveria - spend autumn