Echinacea, a North American genus in the Daisy family, has big, bright flowers that appear in late June and keep coming into September. Plants thrive in average soils or hot, dry conditions, shrug off cold, and are equally at home in full sun or partial shade. Blooms last well as cut or dried flowers, and the large cone at the heart of the flower head turns black as the seeds mature, adding late fall garden interest.

Echinacea Tiki Torch

July

Munstead lavender is a compact, early flowering variety of Lavandula angustifolia( English Lavender). It has strong scented grey-green  foliage that is soft to the touch. The lavender-blue flowers form on loose spikes and appear from July to August. This is the classic lavender that is used in sachets, perfumes, wands, etc. Lavender will thrive in full sun and loose, well-drained soil. To keep plants compact, prune soon after flowering.

June

The rose has been a staple in the gardens of the world for centuries. Grown mainly for its beauty and fragrance they have also been utilized in natural reclamation and commercial projects. The floristry industry has also embraced the rose as its “go to” flower, using it in everything from wedding bouquets to graduation corsages. With over 100 available species and an endless array of colours and habits the rose is and will always be in the hearts of avid gardeners.

April

Hostas
Hostas are loved for their bold beautiful foliage, low care and diversity in the landscape. They can add bright colour to the darkest  of shade gardens, and  textural impact  to the usually bland woodland plot. Hostas are best planted in masses but can also stand alone as a specimen.They emerge in Spring and continue to shine until fall. Simply said…They are an absolute joy.

BarrenWort ( Epimedium )
Barrenwort is the perfect little, full-shade perennial, deserving of more recognition. It’s mainly planted as a border plant or in masses as a ground cover. It’s blooms are quite unique, resembling a bishop’s cap, and its foliage is wing-shape held on slender stalks. When established, the barrenwort becomes drought tolerant allowing it to be planted along the foundation of a home or in the shadows of a shallow rooted tree.

There are plenty of great selections of barrenwort available today,  some of the stand-outs are Epimedium x rubrum and Epimedium x youngianum ‘ Yenomoto’.

epimedium rubrum

March

Erica carnea “Winter Heather”
Erica carnea, or winter heather, are known for being some of the hardiest heathers. They’re loved for their early colour and easy care. When plants mature they form dense, low carpets that require little or no pruning. Erica make a great team paired with early blooming bulbs and spring annuals such as primula. Hardy, cheery and teaming with colour, winter heather is Potter’s feature plant for March 2010!