| Description | Choisya ternata
Mexican Orange Blossom is so named as it's flowers are of a similar nature and scent to an orange tree! The foliage is a mid to light green and is covered with masses of scented white flowers through Spring and Summer.
This attractive shrub will grow to approx. 1.5 - 2m, but is happy to be clipped to suit. As a result it can be also used as a hedge or screen. It is best grown in full sun or part shade and is reasonably frost tolerant. | Quercus robur
English Oaks are famous for being solid and strong. The trunk and secondary branches are very solid and are covered in thick blackish-grey bark which makes it quite a sight.
The autumn foliage is a rich, dark brown. As the foliage is smaller than other deciduous trees, fallen leaves are not particularly difficult to eliminate and will not clog drains.
10"/25cm pot | Allium schoenoprasum
Chives come from the same family as onions, leeks, and garlic. And originate from Northern Europe and North America. Chives are used as decorative borders in Britain. They are the mildest of all onions, and are probably the easiest to grow of all the culinary herbs! They are a hardy perennial herb and grow in clumps, in almost any soil condition. Although they prefer rich soil in a nice sunny position. They are also perfect to grow in pots. Splitting the plant every few years will ensure the plants survival. Chives can reach up to 60cm in height and don't have the typical onion bulb. The clumps have shoots of little purple flowers, which are very pretty and also edible. Use chives in sauces, fresh salads, in egg or omelette recipes or with cream cheese. Can be used as a garnish on soups or potatoes. Diced leaves are great mixed in sour cream for baked potatoes. Or why not mix with softened butter and add to grilled meat! When harvesting, cut close to the ground, which is better for the plant. Store in airtight plastic in the fridge for up to a week. You can also preserve chives in butters, oils, and vinaigrettes.
4"/10cm pot size. | Convolvulus cneorum
Contrasting foliage makes Convolvulus Silver Bush a striking feature in the garden.
• Slender silver foliage with bright, white cupped flowers
• Low growing, only 40cm high and round
• A beautiful addition to a cottage, low maintenance or potted garden | Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssop is a perennial shrub in the mint family. It is a narrow, upright shrub that grows to about 70cm tall and only about 15cm wide. It loves sun, so a hot sunny position with well drained soil is best. When this plant is nourished enough it will produce small vibrant blue flowers. It looks very attractive in the garden, and bees love it. It's also a favourite with butterflies and hummingbirds. Traditionally Hyssop was used in ancient times as an insecticide, therefore, it makes a very good companion plant. It will repel flea beetles and cabbage moths, so planting near your cabbages and grapevines is a great place for this plant. Hyssop is a flavourful addition to salads soups and stews. Although the Hyssop is not for everyone, as it has quite a bitter aroma and flavour. Extracts of this plant have been used in soaps and perfumes, and to flavour liqueurs, puddings, and candy. When harvesting hyssop, dry the stems indoors away from sunlight, then remove the leaves and flowers. You can then grind these and store in a jar or air tight container away from sunlight. The woody stems lack flavour. To harvest the seeds, let the seed pods brown and dry out, the seeds are then easily removed, also store these in an air tight container out of the sun. Hyssop has expectorant, anti inflammatory and tonic affects. It can also lower fever. The flowers can be used for coughs. And the entire plant is used for fevers, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and colds. It can also be used to aid digestion, and to ease flatulence and colic. The flowers and leaves are also used on cuts and bruises. And the essential oils of this plant can be added to baths to help chest and bronchial problems. This also helps combat exhaustion. All in all, this herb is a great little all rounder that's easy to grow! |
| Additional information |
| height x width |
1.5m x 1.5m, can be trimmed
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| planting distance |
For hedge or screen: 80cm
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| features |
Compact rounded bush, leaves consist of 3 glossy deep green leaflets, tight clusters of fragrant white flowers appear in spring and late summer
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| conditions |
Full sun to part shade in rich, well-drained soil, prefers a slightly acidic soil
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| landscape use |
Specimen, screen, general landscaping, a great substitute for Orange Jessamine in a frosty area
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| |
| botanical name |
Allium schoenoprasum
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|
| botanical-name |
Convolvulus cneorum
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| height-x-width |
50cm x 50cm
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| planting-distance |
For border: 50cm
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| features |
Rounded shrub with silver-grey leaves, large white flowers emerge from pink buds in spring and summer
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| conditions |
Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil, will tolerate drought once established
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| landscape-use |
Rockeries, pots, borders, general garden use
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| botanical name |
Hyssopus Officinalis
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