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nigra, with black stems, and P. aureosulcata f. aureocaulis. I have used them as screens, specimens in pots and in innumerable planting schemes. However, they are mere minnows compared to some of the Asian varieties that grow to 20m high with stems (or

and marigolds. Specklings of petunia and verbena. Whooshes of Ricinis communis (Castor Oil Plant) and even occasional ticklings of chard. All this as well as huge phoenix palms and pomegranates in great steel tubs. Very exciting, very impressive and miles better

in the burrows. Apparently they don’t much like alliums, crown imperials or castor oil plants (Ricinus communis).I also once successfully used electronic sonic repellers (they emit a buzzing sound that drives them away) to keep moles off a cabinet minister

for the one with the AGM sticker. But back to my confusing list of alliums, I notice that there are fifteen AGM plants. To make your job of choosing them even simpler, here are my top five:Allium caeruleum: a late-flowering, small-headed blue variety. Height 0.6

Persicaria officinalis. I met this plant for the first time at the RHS Show at the Inner Temple a week or so ago. It formed the backbone of some spectacular annual beds - along with Ricinis communis (the castor oil plant), which is also on my wish list

easy when I was a child. I always had a list of things without which life would be unbearable. One particular Christmas (around 1966), I remember the choice was between a Johnny Seven or a Secret Sam. Both were complicated weapons systems that fired

again within a couple of weeks) and stands there as upright as a guardsman all summer, before turning a gorgeous blonde at this time of year.Thirdly, Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'. A much shorter grass (reaching about 1.2m), it has a fantastic blueish

, cleaning them off and spraying some oil around. There are certain tools without which I cannot cope and others which I hardly ever use. Among my favourites are:1. My small border fork and spade, which are perfect for planting and diddling around.2. A steel