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Hosta ‘Mouse Ears’ is a lovely, small, tidy, clump-forming, mounded perennial with thick, heart-shaped, nearly round, blue-green leaves, resembling the shape of mouse ears. Bell-shaped, lavender flowers bloom on pale green flower scapes rising above the foliage in mid-summer. Hosta ‘Mouse Ears’ prefers organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade. It likes some morning sun and consistent moisture. Once established, it can withstand dry shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds. Low maintenance plant, resilient to urban pollution. Slugs and snails may damage the foliage. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Hosta ‘Mouse Ears’ is an adorable, little hosta with cute bluish-green leaves, perfect for miniature, rock and pebble, or shade gardens. Great as a groundcover, for mixed beds and borders, garden edging, under-planting of roses and shrubs, or for growing in containers. Suitable for informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens.

Hosta Sum and Substance is a popular variety of Hosta, known for its impressive size and striking foliage. This herbaceous perennial is often chosen for its large, heart-shaped leaves, which can grow up to 60cm in length. The leaves are a vibrant chartreuse or golden green, depending on the light conditions, with a slightly glossy finish that adds to their appeal. As the plant matures, the foliage can form an imposing mound that can reach over 1 metre in diameter, making it an ideal focal point in shaded gardens.

This hosta hrives in partial to full shade, though it can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates, which can bring out a more golden hue in the leaves. However, too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will keep the plant looking its best.

In mid to late summer it produces tall flower spikes, often up to 1 metre in height, bearing lavender, funnel-shaped flowers. These blooms are attractive to pollinators such as bees and can provide additional interest in the garden, though the foliage remains the primary attraction.

Relatively low-maintenance, this Hosta is hardy in the UK climate, tolerating temperatures as low as -15°C. It's also resistant to pests like slugs and snails, which often plague other Hosta varieties. Due to its size it works well as a specimen plant or as a backdrop in larger garden borders. Its bold foliage contrasts well with finer-textured plants, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any shaded garden.

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.

Amelanchier lamarckii is a deciduous shrub or small tree of upright habit and horizontally spreading branches, and toothed, elliptic leaves, bronze when they emerge, dark green when mature, and orange-red in autumn. Fragrant, white, 5-petal flowers in loose, dropping clusters bloom in spring and are followed by edible, sweet and juicy, dark purple berries in summer.

Amelanchier lamarckii can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, but thrives in fertile, lime-free, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It grows well in full sun and partial shade, but best fruit and autumn foliage are achieved in full sun. It is resistant to frost, de-icing slat, and wind. Tolerant of urban pollution. No serious pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant. Snowy Mespilus is a lovely, elegant shrub, perfect for cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens. Excellent as a specimen, for shrub borders, wall-side borders, and informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

This plant is specifically shaped into a ball with very dense foliage. It is exceptionally large for this type of plant. 

Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is a dense, neat and tidy, evergreen shrub or small tree of compact, rounded to conical habit, with narrow, long, glossy, dark green leaves. Young stems are vivid red. Small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are followed by dark purple berries in autumn. Attractive to pollinators and birds. Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is adaptable to a wide range of soils and conditions. It thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, and grows well in full sun or partial shade. It is resistant to frost, but doesn’t’ like very exposed sites, therefore, needs to be sheltered from strong winds. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Portuguese Laurel 'Angustifolia', differs from the classic variety for its greater density and narrower leaves. It is, therefore, superb for formal hedges. It forms great windbreaks and privacy screens. It reduces noise and pollution. It can be grown as a topiary tree.

The Hosta Sun Mouse is a charming and compact perennial plant, ideal for adding a touch of elegance to shaded gardens. Belonging to the Asparagaceae family, this miniature hosta variety is known for its delightful foliage and easy maintenance, making it a favourite among gardeners.

Sun Mouse is characterised by its small, heart-shaped leaves that measure about 2-3 inches in length. The foliage boasts a vibrant, lime-green hue, often with a slight yellow tinge, particularly when exposed to a bit more sunlight. This distinctive colour adds a splash of brightness to darker garden corners.

In terms of growth habit, the Hosta Sun Mouse forms a dense, low-growing mound, typically reaching only 6-8 inches in height and spreading about 12-16 inches wide. Its compact size makes it perfect for border edges, rock gardens, or as a delightful ground cover. Despite its diminutive stature, Sun Mouse is quite resilient.

During the summer months, this hosta variety produces small, lavender-coloured flowers on slender stems that rise above the foliage. While not as showy as the leaves, these blooms add a subtle touch of beauty and attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

The Hosta Sun Mouse prefers partial to full shade and thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. Gardeners should watch for common pests like slugs and snails, which can occasionally mar the leaves.

Overall, the Hosta Sun Mouse is a delightful addition to any garden, offering vibrant foliage, a neat growth habit, and ease of care. Its compact size and striking colour make it a versatile choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

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.

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.

Magnolia × soulangeana is a superb choice for gardens seeking spring impact and graceful structure. This deciduous small tree or large shrub produces magnificent goblet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and soft purple, which appear on bare branches in early to mid-spring. The floral display is both dramatic and elegant, making it an outstanding specimen tree for lawns, front gardens, or sheltered borders.

It thrives best in full sun or light dappled shade and prefers fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. A sheltered position is ideal, as late frosts can sometimes damage emerging blooms. Once established, it is hardy and relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning beyond shaping or removing crossing branches.

With a broad, spreading habit and eventual height of around 4–6 metres, it suits medium-sized gardens particularly well. Underplanting with bulbs or shade-tolerant perennials enhances its seasonal appeal. Offering strong architectural form, reliable flowering, and manageable growth, it remains one of the most popular and rewarding ornamental trees for UK gardens.

Laburnum anagyroides 'Yellow Rocket' is a compact, upright deciduous tree renowned for its striking display of golden-yellow, pea-like flowers that cascade in pendulous racemes during May and early June. Reaching approximately 4 meters in height and 1.5 meters in spread over 10–20 years, its narrow, columnar habit makes it ideal for smaller gardens or as a vertical accent in larger landscapes.

The tree's trifoliate, light green leaves provide a lush backdrop to its vibrant blooms, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity. 'Yellow Rocket' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand.

Magnolia Susan is a beautiful flowering tree known for its stunning blooms and attractive foliage. This deciduous tree is a member of the magnolia family and is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers for its showy flowers that come in shades of pink and purple. The Magnolia Susan typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet and can spread up to 12 feet wide. It has a dense, upright growth habit and produces large, tulip-shaped flowers in mid to late spring. The flowers are about 5 inches across and have a sweet fragrance that fills the air. The leaves of the Magnolia Susan are glossy and dark green, with a slightly wavy margin. They are oval-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow before dropping for the winter.

Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ is a crossing between F. sylvatica 'Dawyck' and a red-leaved beech. It’s a medium-sized, fastigiated, deciduous tree of columnar, upright habit with attractive, broadly oval, purple leaves - reddish purple in spring, deep purple in summer and burgundy purple in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, yellowish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by small beech nuts in autumn. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawkye Purple’ prefers humus rich, moist, well-drained soils and doesn’t tolerate too wet or waterlogged soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is moderately tolerant of frost, air pollution and wind. Generally, doesn’t have any serious problems with pests or diseases. Easy to grow, low maintenance plant. It can be difficult to transplant. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawkye Purple’ is a gorgeous columnar, perfect as a specimen plant or in larger groups, great for avenues and narrow streets. It can be used for informal hedges and screens.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Galissonniere' is an exotic evergreen tree of conical to spreading pyramidal habit, with thick, leathery, glossy green leaves, velvety haired and rusty-brown beneath. Very large, saucer-shaped, creamy-white flowers with purple stamens bloom in summer and early autumn. Their fragrance is strong and pleasant.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Galissonniere' is easily grown in a wide range of soils, but prefers hummus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. Once established, it can withstand some drought. It thrives in full sun and partial shade.

It has very good cold tolerance, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, dry winds. Low maintenance, it doesn’t require much pruning. Magnolia grandiflora 'Galissonniere' is a French variety of Southern Magnolia cultivated 150 years ago. It’s an excellent ornamental tree, often grown against the wall, rarely free-standing. Great for informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens. Excellent for beds and borders, informal hedges and screens, and for growing in containers.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum, also known as Snowball Bush or Guelder Rose. This deciduous shrub is celebrated for its stunning appearance and graceful clusters of snowy white flowers. Let us explore the features, cultivation tips, and overall allure of Viburnum Opulus Roseum.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum is renowned for its breathtaking flower clusters that resemble fluffy snowballs. These showy inflorescences, up to 4-5 inches in diameter, create a captivating visual spectacle. Starting as vibrant lime-green buds, they gradually transform into pure white blossoms, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.

In addition to its enchanting flowers, this Viburnum species boasts attractive foliage. The leaves are prominently veined, vibrant green, and deeply lobed, lending a textured and ornamental appeal to the shrub. During fall, the foliage undergoes a vibrant color transformation, turning shades of reddish-purple and burgundy, adding another layer of visual interest to the landscape.

Following the flowering period, Viburnum Opulus Roseum produces abundant clusters of glossy, translucent red berries. These berries are not only visually striking but also serve as a valuable food source for various bird species. If you enjoy attracting wildlife to your garden, this shrub will be a delightful addition.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a spot with partial shade to full sun exposure. It can adapt to a range of soil types but prefers moist, fertile soil. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is crucial for establishing young plants. Once mature, Viburnum Opulus Roseum is relatively drought-tolerant. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the shrub will help retain soil moisture and control weeds. Pruning is generally unnecessary but can be done after flowering to maintain shape.

This species is known for its hardiness, capable of withstanding colder climates, including frost. It is relatively disease-resistant and requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum, with its show-stopping flower clusters, lush foliage, and vibrant berries, is a captivating addition to any garden. Its resilience, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, makes it a highly sought-after shrub for both ornamental and wildlife-friendly landscapes. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden's beauty or attract feathered visitors, Viburnum Opulus Roseum is a delightful choice that will undoubtedly charm you and your visitors alike.

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ is a vigorous, fast-growing, tree-like, evergreen shrub with a dense crown, large, obovate, very glossy leaves, soft green when young and dark green when mature. It rarely flowers when young, but once established, it flowers abundantly unless pruned. Flowers are small and white and followed by large, black berries. Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ grows best in slightly deep, fertile, acidic, moist, well-drained soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade, but is tolerant of full shade as well. It is resistant of frost and can withstand very low temperatures. Once established, it is tolerant of drought, salt and air pollution. May suffer from chlorosis when planted in poor, shallow, chalky soil. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Generally, pest-free. Cherry Laurel ‘Novita’ is an extremely resilient variety of laurel, perfect for hedges and screens, especially in shady areas, in informal, cottage, coastal, and woodland gardens. Great for banks and slopes or as a ground cover.

Prunus Lusitanica is a vigorous, evergreen shrub of bushy, spreading habit, dark brown bark, dense branches, vivid red when young, with leathery, glossy, dark green leaves. Small, fragrant, white flowers bloom in profusion in summer and are followed by dark purple fruits in autumn. Attractive to pollinators and birds.

Prunus Lusitanica grows best in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils, even poor, shallow, or chalky. It prefers full sun to partial shade, but is tolerant of full shade as well. Once established, it is resistant to drought, heat, wind, and air pollution. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Generally, pest-free.

Portuguese Laurel Cherry is a beautiful plant, perfect for long-lasting privacy hedges in informal, cottage, and woodland gardens, especially in shady areas. It forms dense and attractive windbreaks and screens. It reduces noise and pollution, therefore, suitable for urban areas. Great for banks and slopes and shrub borders.

Laurus nobilis, or Bay Laurel, is a dense, compact, slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal habit, dark grey bark, and aromatic, narrowly ovate, leathery, dark green leaves used in cooking, especially in French and Mediterranean cuisine. Clusters of small, yellowish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by glossy, dark purple, berry-like drupes. Bay Laurel can grow in a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, but thrives in fertile, moist, and well-drained soils. It prefers full sun, but doesn’t mind partial shade. It is tolerant of salt, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. In colder climates, it needs to be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter. Laurus nobilis is a wonderful, long-lived shrub, perfect as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Suitable for growing in containers, great as a topiary, and excellent for hedges and screens. Essential for herb garden.

Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' is an upright, deciduous shrub or a small tree, often multi-stemmed, with very attractive, deep magenta, pink to lilac purple flowers. The heart-shaped, glossy, green leaves emerge in spring and turn yellow in autumn. Many dense clusters of tiny, rose-to-magenta flowers appear on bare branches before the leaves and spectacularly cover the whole bush. Flowers are followed by bean-like brown seedpods. Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' grows best in a moderately fertile, moist and well drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. The flowers thrive in full sun, but part shade is better in areas with hot summer climates. Generally, it is pest-free but may suffer from some diseases. Attractive to birds, butterflies, and bees. Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' is loved for its stunning spring appearance and attractive green foliage. It is great as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Perfect for beds and borders, woodland gardens, streets, and for growing in containers.

Fagus sylvatica Purpurea, or Copper Beech, is a beautiful variant of European Beech. It’s a large, deciduous tree with pyramidal crown when young, rounded and spreading when mature, and smooth, grey bark. It is known for its deep purple foliage, copper red in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, yellowish flowers appear in spring and are followed by edible fruit, beech mast, in autumn. Fagus sylvatica Purpurea prefers deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It doesn’t tolerate waterlogged soils or heavy clay. Once established, somewhat tolerant to drought. It is generally disease-free and pest-free. Easy to grow, low maintenance plant. It may not grow well in urban areas and it is difficult to transplant. Fagus sylvatica Purpurea, with its dramatic purple and coppery foliage, is perfect as a specimen plant in large gardens or parks. Great for hedges and screens, especially since it holds dead leaves deep into winter, almost until new leaves emerge.

Malus ‘Neville Copeman’, or Purple Crab Apple, is a medium-sized, upright, deciduous tree with irregular, wide, ovoid, half-open crown, and attractive foliage – purple when young and green flushed with purple later. Lovely, lilac-pink flowers bloom in spring and large, tasteful, waxy, purplish-red fruits ripe in autumn. Fruits are great for making jams, jellies and chutneys. Malus ‘Neville Copeman’ can grow well in almost any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained, but thrives in moderately fertile, deep, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It can withstand frost, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. It is self-fertile, therefore, useful as a pollinator for other apple trees. Purple Crab Apple ‘Neville Copeman’ is popular for its attractive foliage, flowers, and large crab apples. It is great as a specimen plant in smaller gardens, suitable for urban areas, and for growing in containers.