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Olea Europea is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants with Mediterranean origin. It’s a wonderful, slow-growing, long-lived, evergreen tree of very attractive habit and spreading crown, with gnarled, twisted trunk and silvery foliage. The elliptic leaves are grey-green, silvery underneath. Tiny, fragrant, white flowers are followed by small, olive-rich, plum-like fruits, harvested when they are green or purple. Fruits are not edible directly from the tree, but after a special treatment. Common Olive grows best in fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. It thrives in warm climates. If grown in colder areas, it should be planted in containers and brought inside during the winter. Generally, disease-free. Olea Europea is mostly grown for its tasteful fruits, but it is also an attractive-looking addition to urban, coastal, Mediterranean, or rock and gravel gardens. It is suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Calycanthus ‘Venus’ is a striking deciduous shrub, often known as a sweetshrub or Carolina allspice, that brings abundant ornamental interest to a garden from late spring into summer. It’s a hybrid selection created from crosses involving several species of Calycanthus, resulting in larger, more dramatic flowers than many traditional varieties.

This shrub develops a rounded, multi-stemmed habit, typically growing to around 2–4 metres in height and spread under favourable conditions, though many garden forms remain more compact at around 1.5–2 metres. Its glossy, dark green leaves are broad and attractively shaped, turning yellow-brown in autumn before the plant drops them for winter.

The most remarkable feature of Calycanthus ‘Venus’ is its large, creamy-white flowers, which often have yellow and purple markings at their centres and a subtle but delightful fragrance. The blooms are sometimes described as magnolia-like in shape, appearing from late spring through much of the summer and sometimes intermittently into early autumn.

This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types — from clay to loam — provided it isn’t prone to prolonged waterlogging. Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance, benefiting from light pruning after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage new growth.

Calycanthus ‘Venus’ works beautifully as a specimen plant, at the back of mixed borders, or as part of a cottage-style or informal garden scheme. Its combination of ornate flowers, scent and autumn leaf colour makes it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking both structure and seasonal interest.

Euonymus japonicus 'Bravo' is a medium-sized, dense, bushy, rounded, evergreen shrub with a lovely variegated foliage. Leathery, glossy, dark-green to gray-green leaves have irregular, cremy margins. Small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in summer and are occasionally followed by pink fruit in autumn. Euonymus japonicus 'Bravo' can grow in various types of soil, but prefers average, moist, well-drained, fast-draining soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is very resilient and adaptable. It is tolerant of heat, cold, salt, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance, but all branches that turn all green should be pruned. Euonymus japonicus 'Bravo', with its beautiful variegated foliage that creates nice shimmering effect, is a great addition to any garden – informal, cottage, urban, or coastal. It is perfect as a ground cover, for shrub borders and mixed borders, hedges and screens, banks and slopes. It is easy to shape and can be formed into a nice topiary. Suitable for growing in containers.

Hosta ‘Waterslide’ is a vigorous, eye-catching perennial valued for its broad, heart-shaped blue-green leaves with a strong, heavily corrugated texture. The foliage has a slightly waxy bloom when young, giving it a cool, glaucous tone that works beautifully in shaded planting schemes. As the season progresses, the leaves retain their colour well, creating a bold, calming presence in the garden.

This cultivar is best suited to partial or dappled shade, where it can develop its rich foliage without the risk of scorching. It performs particularly well in moisture-retentive, humus-rich soils that stay consistently damp but are well-drained. Once established, it forms a substantial clump, making it ideal for filling larger shaded borders, woodland gardens, or planting beneath shrubs and trees.

Hosta ‘Waterslide’ also works well as a feature plant in containers, especially in sheltered courtyards or shaded patios. Its strong leaf structure gives it good resistance to slug damage compared to thinner-leaved varieties, although some protection may still be needed in wet conditions.

In summer, pale lavender flowers rise above the foliage on tall stems, attracting bees and adding vertical interest. Overall, it is a reliable, architectural hosta that brings texture, depth, and a lush woodland feel to shaded garden spaces.

Thuja orientalis 'Aurea Nana' is a dwarf, compact, slow-growing, evergreen, coniferous tree of columnar to conical habit, with dense, flattened sprays of scale-like, golden-yellow foliage, and oval, female cones. The foliage may have a bronze tinge during the winter. Dwarf Golden Oriental Thuja can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, but thrives in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It hot summers, it appreciates some afternoon shade. It should not be overcrowded because it likes good air circulation. It is resistant to heat, but doesn’t tolerate winter as much as the species. It doesn’t have major pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning but is tolerant of hard pruning. Thuja orientalis 'Aurea Nana' is a lovely, ornamental shrub, perfect as an accent plant in small informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great for low hedges, foundation plantings, and shrub borders. Excellent in rock and gravel gardens.

Abutilon megapotamicum is a charming addition to gardens, valued for its long-lasting, bell-shaped flowers and graceful, trailing growth. It is well-suited for borders, trellises, or container planting, where it can cascade attractively. Best grown in a sheltered, sunny position, it thrives with plenty of light but benefits from some afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Abutilon prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix enriched with organic matter like compost is ideal. While tolerant of a range of soil types, it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH. Protection from strong winds is recommended, as the branches are soft and may snap.

In cooler areas, it should be placed in a frost-free spot or overwintered indoors, as it is only hardy down to around -5°C. Regular watering during dry spells and occasional feeding will encourage continuous flowering and healthy growth throughout the season.

Euonymous alatus is a large, dense, spreading deciduous shrub with oval, green leaves, that turn spectacularly scarlet-red in autumn. Tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and summer, and are followed by highly ornamental purple and red fruits in autumn and throughout the winter. Bare winter branches are attractive because of their “corky” wings. Euonymous alatus can grow in a wide range of soils, but thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and the best leaf colour is achieved in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Generally, pest-free. Attractive to birds. It can withstand severe pruning, and has a tendency to be invasive. Euonymous alatus is a stunning shrub with beautiful fiery red autumn foliage, hence the name Burning Bush. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for informal hedges and screens, wall-side borders, and shrub borders. Best-looking when planted against evergreens.

Paulownia elongata ‘Futuro’ is a remarkably fast-growing deciduous tree prized for its ecological and economic benefits. Known for its straight trunk and broad, heart-shaped leaves, this hybrid variety can reach heights of 10–15 meters within just a few years under optimal conditions. In spring, it produces striking clusters of pale violet, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and add ornamental value. The leaves are exceptionally large and efficient at photosynthesis, enabling rapid biomass accumulation and high carbon sequestration—making it a valuable species for reforestation and climate mitigation projects.

‘Futuro’ is specifically bred for improved adaptability, disease resistance, and high-quality timber production. Its wood is light yet strong, with a fine grain and excellent dimensional stability, suitable for furniture, musical instruments, and eco-friendly construction. The tree thrives in well-drained soils with good sunlight and moderate water availability, recovering quickly after coppicing. Because of its regenerative ability and environmental resilience, Paulownia elongata ‘Futuro’ is increasingly recognized as a sustainable resource for green industries, combining rapid growth with ecological and aesthetic appeal.

Hosta Great Expectations is an excellent choice for shade gardens, offering striking foliage and a bold presence. Its large, variegated leaves—with creamy-white centers edged in blue-green and chartreuse—add dramatic contrast and texture to garden beds, borders, and woodland settings.

This hosta thrives in partial to full shade and prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively slow-growing but becomes a stunning focal point once established. The plant is ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet impactful perennials. Its tall flower spikes with pale lavender blooms appear in midsummer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Great Expectations pairs beautifully with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-loving companions. Its bold leaves also help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Overall, this hosta is perfect for adding elegance, texture, and year-round interest to shaded garden areas.

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus is a large, vigorous, fast-growing, upright evergreen shrub with arching branches. It has small, oval, glossy green leaves and very attractive fluffy clusters of small, pale to dark blue flowers with yellow stamens. It blooms from mid-spring to early summer, literally covering the whole shrub with stunning blue colour. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus thrives in average, slightly alkaline, moist but well drained soils, in full sun. In hot and dry summer areas, it appreciates some afternoon shade. Tolerant to salt spray and poor rocky or sandy soil, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Once established, resistant to drought. Easy to grow and low maintenance. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus is a very decorative plant, perfect for sunny beds and borders, wall-side borders, hedges and screens, mixed borders with grasses and perennials, and as a groundcover on dry banks and slopes. Great for informal, cottage, and coastal gardens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’, or Eder ‘Eva’, is a large, upright, deciduous shrub with deeply dissected, lacy, dark purple, almost black, leaves, rich red in autumn, and flattened panicles of tiny, lemon-scented, white to pale pink flowers in summer, followed by edible, purple-black berries in early autumn. Attractive to birds and bees. Elder 'Eva' tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers medium to wet, moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils. It grows best in full sun, but can withstand partial shade. Low maintenance, but unpruned plants can become unattractive in appearance. Adaptable to coastal and urban conditions. Tough and resilient plant. Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’, with its unusual foliage, and attractive flowers and edible berries, is an excellent landscape plant. It is perfect as an accent shrub or background plant in informal, cottage, urban, and coastal gardens. Great for shrub borders and informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Camellia Japonica is an evergreen shrub known for its elegant form and glossy dark green foliage. This variety is cultivated on a single stem, reaching approximately 100cm in height, with a total tree height of 190cm. It produces delicate, symmetrical flowers that bloom in cooler seasons, adding seasonal interest to gardens and landscapes. Thriving in partial shade with well-drained, acidic soil, it is a slow-growing plant that requires minimal maintenance. Ideal for ornamental use in gardens, patios, or as a statement plant in containers, Camellia Japonica provides year-round greenery and striking seasonal blooms. Its structured growth and refined appearance make it a popular choice for formal and naturalistic garden settings alike.

Sorbus aucuparia Asplenifolia is a medium-sized, vigorous, deciduous tree with oval, half-open crown and feathery, deeply serrated, green leaves, orange and red and autumn. Clusters of small, white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by orange-red berries in late summer and autumn. Attractive to birds and bees. Sorbus aucuparia Asplenifolia is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Suitable for dry soil. It is resistant to frost and it can withstand wind and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Tough and easy to grow. Rowan 'Aspleniifolia', with its feathery foliage, profusion of white flowers and attractive red berries, is a wonderful ornamental tree. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant in medium sized gardens. Great for cottage, urban, and wildlife gardens. Excellent as a street tree and suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

Magnolia x soulangeana is a spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree of upright habit when young and pyramidal to rounded as it matures, with smooth, silvery bark, and obovate mid-green leaves, golden-brown in autumn. Masses of fragrant, large, cup-shaped, white, pink or purple flowers, white inside, bloom in late spring before the leaves emerge. Magnolia x soulangeana is adaptable to a wide range of soils, except too wet and too dry. It prefers fertile, organically rich, slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. It is tolerant of frost, but needs to be sheltered form harsh, drying winds. Early frost can damage flower buds. It can withstand urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t need regular pruning. Magnolia x soulangeana is a hybrid cross between M. denudata and M. liliflora. This impressive magnolia makes an excellent specimen plant for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great for informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Wisteria floribunda ‘Black Dragon’, also known as ‘Kokuryu’, is a striking and dramatic Japanese wisteria cultivar prized for its unusually dark, richly coloured blooms. Its flowers emerge in long, cascading racemes that can reach impressive lengths, often around 30–50 cm, creating a waterfall effect in late spring to early summer. The blossoms themselves are deep violet to purple-black, giving the plant its evocative name. Each flower has a velvety texture and a subtle, sweet fragrance that enhances its luxurious, almost mysterious presence in the garden.

As the plant matures, its twining stems develop a graceful, sculptural quality, weaving around pergolas, arches, and sturdy supports. The foliage is fresh green, pinnate, and lightly textured, providing a beautiful contrast to the dark flower clusters. In summer, the leaves create a soft, ornamental canopy, and in autumn they turn a gentle yellow before falling.

‘Black Dragon’ is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a wisteria variety with depth, drama, and exceptional ornamental appeal. With proper pruning and training, it becomes a breathtaking focal point, offering a spectacular display that feels both elegant and enchantingly exotic in any landscape.

Magnolia stellata is a compact, medium-sized, deciduous shrub or small tree of broadly rounded, spreading habit with narrow, ovate, dark green leaves. Lovely, gently fragrant, star-shaped, pure white to pale pink flowers with narrow, spreading tepals, bloom in abundance in late winter or early spring before the leaves emerge. One of the earliest flowering Magnolias. Magnolia stellata prefers fertile, rich, slightly acidic, moist, but well-drained soils. It doesn’t like too wet or too dry soils. It thrives in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered form high winds. Since it is early-blooming, late frosts may damage the buds. Intolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Magnolia stellata is a beautiful flowering shrub, perfect for small informal, cottage, urban or woodland gardens. It is great as a specimen plant and for informal hedges and screens, excellent for lawns, foundations, and shrub borders.

Pyracantha 'Orange Glow' is a beautiful outdoor garden plant that is sure to make a striking addition to any landscape. Its scientific name is Pyracantha coccinea 'Orange Glow', and it is a member of the Rosaceae family. This evergreen shrub is popularly grown for its spectacular bright orange berries that ripen in autumn and winter, contrasting with its shiny dark-green foliage.

Pyracantha 'Orange Glow' is medium-sized, reaching 6-8 feet in height and 5-6 feet in width, with a bushy and dense growth habit. The bush can be planted in any sunny or partially shaded spot in the garden, where it can enjoy moist, well-drained soil. It is quite adaptable to different soil types and can tolerate windy and dry conditions once established.

Apart from its attractive berries, Pyracantha 'Orange Glow' also features clusters of small white flowers with a subtly pleasant fragrance that appear in spring and early summer. These flowers not only contribute to the shrub's charm, but they also attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.

This variety of Pyracantha is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal upkeep to stay healthy and looking its best. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape and promote new growth. A yearly fertilizer application is advisable to feed the plant and encourage optimal growth.

However, gardeners should handle Pyracantha 'Orange Glow' with caution, as it has sharp thorns that can cause skin irritation or injury if not handled carefully. This feature also makes it popular for use as a security plant or hedge.

In conclusion, Pyracantha 'Orange Glow' is an excellent garden plant that offers not only visual appeal but also pollinator benefits and security. With its easy-care nature and attractive features, it has become a staple of many landscapes.

Hibiscus Syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the mallow family. Native to China and Korea, this plant is widely cultivated for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, forming a dense, rounded crown. Its bark is grayish-brown, and the leaves are dark green, lobed, and serrated. In fall, the foliage turns yellow before dropping. The flowers of Hibiscus Syriacus come in a range of colors, including white, pink, red, lavender, and blue. They have a diameter of 2-4 inches and typically last for only one day. However, the plant produces numerous flowers over a long period, providing a colorful display for weeks. Hibiscus Syriacus is a relatively low-maintenance plant and can grow in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant is also drought-tolerant once established, but it benefits from regular watering during dry periods.

Sarcococca ruscifolia var. chinensis 'Dragon Gate' is an evergreen shrub valued in British gardens for its glossy foliage, compact habit, and highly fragrant winter flowers. It belongs to the Buxaceae family and originates from woodland regions of China. The cultivar ‘Dragon Gate’ is particularly prized for its dense growth and reliable performance in shaded garden settings.

Typically reaching around 1–1.5 metres in height and a similar spread, Sarcococca ‘Dragon Gate’ forms a neat, bushy shrub with gently arching stems. Its leaves are dark green, leathery, and lance-shaped, usually measuring between 5 and 10 centimetres in length. The foliage remains attractive throughout the year, providing valuable evergreen structure in borders and woodland gardens. New growth may appear slightly lighter in colour before maturing to a rich, glossy green.

One of the most distinctive features of this plant is its flowering season. In mid to late winter, small creamy-white flowers appear in clusters along the stems. Although the flowers themselves are quite modest in appearance, they produce an exceptionally strong, sweet fragrance that can carry across the garden on still days. This scent is often compared to honey or vanilla and is especially noticeable during mild winter weather.

Following flowering, the plant may develop decorative berries that ripen to a deep red. These small fruits add additional ornamental interest and can persist for several weeks.

Sarcococca ‘Dragon Gate’ performs best in moist but well-drained soil and prefers partial to full shade, making it particularly suitable for planting beneath trees or along north-facing walls. It is hardy in most parts of the UK and generally requires little maintenance beyond occasional pruning to maintain shape or remove damaged growth.

Because of its fragrance, shade tolerance, and tidy habit, Sarcococca ‘Dragon Gate’ is often planted near paths, entrances, or seating areas where its winter scent can be appreciated. It is also effective in mixed shrub borders and woodland-style planting schemes, providing both seasonal interest and dependable evergreen presenc