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and the singed toffee-coloured flowers are so subtle that they seem to only whisper (but such seductive words that the heart melts).Phlox 'Blue Paradise': I think these are the very best of the family. A sort of washed denim colour that changes with the light

, morning glory, which covers a great expanse of wall outside the kitchen. I like to go out every morning to count the flowers: on a warm day they are all gone by lunchtime. The other is Cobaea scandens, which grows happily out of a pot putting out pretty

: I was told it by Kim Hurst from the Cottage Herbery at the Malvern Spring Show last year (the 2009 show, by the way, runs from 7-10 May; I hope to see you there) . Those of you sensible enough not to let mint run loose in your flower beds will have

My, we gardeners have been busy over the past few weeks. First the delightful Malvern Spring Show, then the pomp and circumstance that is the Chelsea Flower Show. Last week was the bustle of Gardeners World Live and before we know it we

is strictly necessary. I am writing this while outside the Tatton Park Flower Show, sluiced with yet another torrential downpour.But rather than whinge I feel the time has come to point out the few cheering things that have come about as a result of the rain

(Patron Saint of Gardeners) never impulse shopped in nurseries. I had not seen the plant before, all I knew was that it was quite large and had been planted in the middle of my carefully planned flower bed. Hmmmm...some designers would have thrown a bit

about hostas. The hosta can be a really annoying plant: pretty flowers and truly glorious leaves that can completely transform a shady corner, but (and this is a big, big but) they have the same irresistible attraction to molluscs as cow pie has

.Looking at my garden this morning, however, I realised that we're a bit short of colour at this time of year. I know that within a few weeks the place will be alive with flower but right now it's a little flat.I didn't plant enough tulips last year. Right now

-spring, covered in white flowers which, come the autumn, turn into deep red berries, or haws. They also make spectacular trees that reach about 5m in 10 years - although if left alone they can reach 18m. They're fantastically gnarly and twisted and every wild

-trained fruit trees. Looking at a well cared for tree is like admiring the work of a skilled craftsman - with the advantage of knowing that someday soon it is not only going to flower but produce something edible. Not something that can be said about most crafty