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Prunus avium 'Stella' is a medium-sized, pyramidal cherry tree with oval, serrated, dark green leaves, and abundance of fragrant, white flowers blooming in spring. A large crop of tasty, heart-shaped, dark red cherries, is ready for harvesting in summer. Self-fertile tree that can be a good pollinator for other cherry varieties. The cherries have sweet and rich flavour. Cherry ‘Stella’ grows best in average, moderately fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. Doesn’t tolerate too wet or waterlogged soils. It is resistant to frost but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Late frosts may damage the flower buds. A self-pollinating variety that can be a good pollinator for other cherry varieties. Prunus avium 'Stella' is primarily grown for the fruit crop, not for ornamental value, but is a beautiful, small tree, perfect for any small garden. Great for beds and borders and wall-side borders. Needs occasional spraying with fungicides and pesticides.

Gisela rootstock is renowned for cherry trees due to its dwarfing ability, promoting smaller, more manageable tree sizes. It encourages early fruit production, higher yields, and enhanced fruit quality. Suited to diverse soil types, Gisela is resistance-prone, reducing susceptibility to certain diseases, making it favorable for optimizing cherry cultivation.

Photinia Red Robin Compacta is an evergreen tree, trained here as a half standard with a clear stem and a rounded, compact head of foliage. The leaves are glossy and leathery, emerging bright red before maturing to a deep, glossy green, giving a long season of colour contrast across the canopy. New growth continues to flush red throughout the growing season, making the tree particularly striking in spring and again in early autumn when fresh leaves appear. The dense, bushy head holds its shape well and responds readily to trimming, making this a useful tree for formal or structured planting schemes where a neat, rounded form is wanted. In late spring small white flowers may appear in clusters, though the plant is grown primarily for its foliage colour rather than for flowering display. This variety is tolerant of most soil types, including clay, and copes well with exposure, making it a reliable choice for coastal gardens as well as more sheltered sites. It also tolerates some shade, although the best red colouration on new growth develops in a sunny position. As a half standard, it suits use as a specimen tree or focal point within a border, lawn, or formal garden layout.

Hydrangea Magic Pillow is a deciduous shrub with a compact, mound-forming habit, making it well-suited to smaller gardens and borders. The foliage consists of broad, serrated, mid-green leaves that turn attractive shades of red and purple in autumn, providing seasonal interest beyond its flowering period. This shrub produces lacecap-style flowerheads from mid to late summer, typically from July through September. The blooms feature small, fertile florets at the centre surrounded by larger, sterile florets, creating a delicate, layered appearance. Flower colour can vary according to soil pH, ranging from soft pink to blue, with some plants displaying a mix of tones within the same flowerhead. The plant benefits from a sheltered position, as it is more tender than many other hydrangea varieties and can be susceptible to frost damage on young growth. It performs best in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil, and appreciates protection from strong winds and harsh winter conditions. Hydrangea Magic Pillow is a good choice for woodland-edge planting schemes or shaded borders where its compact size and long flowering season can be appreciated at close range.

Red Yucca is an evergreen perennial forming a dense, architectural clump of narrow, strap-like leaves that arch outward from a central base, creating a grass-like, fountain shape reminiscent of Mediterranean planting schemes. The foliage is a striking blue-green colour, with fine curling fibres often appearing along the leaf margins, adding textural interest throughout the year. During late spring through to autumn, tall, slender flower spikes emerge well above the foliage, bearing tubular, coral-pink to red blooms. These flowers appear in succession over an extended period, providing colour and vertical interest against the low, spiky foliage mound below. The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and various pollinating insects, making this plant a valuable addition for those wishing to support garden wildlife. Bees are also drawn to the nectar-rich blooms. Red Yucca is highly drought-tolerant once established and performs well in poor, sandy or rocky soils where many other plants would struggle. It is well suited to coastal gardens, being tolerant of salt-laden winds, and thrives in free-draining conditions. This plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping, gravel gardens, and low-maintenance borders, and works well as a structural focal point or when planted in groups for a naturalistic, drought-resistant display.

Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii', commonly known as Golden Chain Tree, is a deciduous feathered tree valued for its elegant, cascading habit. It produces long, pendulous racemes of bright golden-yellow flowers in late spring, typically May to June, creating a striking chain-like display along its branches. The foliage consists of trifoliate leaves in a soft mid-green shade, providing a pleasant backdrop before and after the flowering period. As a feathered tree, it retains branches down to the base, giving it a fuller, more naturalistic structure compared to standard forms, making it suitable as a specimen tree where its form can be appreciated from ground level. This cultivar is noted for producing fewer seed pods than the species, reducing the toxicity risk associated with laburnum seeds while still delivering an impressive floral show. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, offering a useful nectar source during late spring when many other flowering trees have finished blooming. Golden Chain Tree performs well in a range of soil types, including clay, and tolerates both full sun and partial shade. It is a versatile choice for smaller gardens, courtyards, or as a feature tree within a border, bringing seasonal interest and vivid colour at a time when the garden benefits from a dramatic late-spring display.

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is a herbaceous perennial that dies back completely in autumn, re-emerging each spring. It is grown primarily for its foliage, producing huge, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 60cm across, in a rich chartreuse to gold colour that deepens as the season progresses. The leaves have a slightly puckered, glossy surface and thick, substantial texture, giving the plant a bold, architectural presence in borders and containers. Plants form a large, mound-forming clump with dense coverage, making an effective ground cover once established. In mid to late summer, tall flower spikes emerge bearing pale lavender, trumpet-shaped blooms held well above the foliage, adding a further point of interest. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, offering a useful nectar source during summer months. This hosta performs best in a shady or partially shaded position, making it ideal for woodland-style planting schemes or shaded corners of the garden where many other perennials struggle. It prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil and is tolerant of heavier clay soils provided drainage is adequate. Due to its scale, it works well as a specimen plant or focal point within larger shaded beds and borders.

Japanese Wisteria 'Black Dragon' is a deciduous climber, trained here on a cane, producing vigorous twining growth that requires sturdy support such as a pergola, wall or trellis. The foliage consists of mid-green pinnate leaves, giving a light, airy texture to the plant through the growing season. In late spring, this cultivar produces long, pendulous racemes of double, deep purple flowers, which can reach considerable lengths as the plant matures. The flowers hang gracefully from the stems, creating a striking cascading effect, and often carry a mild fragrance. This makes the plant particularly attractive during the spring months when the flowering display is at its peak. The scented flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, making this a useful plant for supporting pollinator activity in the garden. As it matures, this wisteria develops thick, woody stems with a twisted, gnarled appearance, adding structural interest to the support it is grown against even when not in flower. Regular pruning in summer and winter helps to control growth and encourage better flowering in subsequent years. This plant is best suited to a sheltered, sunny position with well-drained soil, and benefits from a sturdy structure to support its vigorous climbing habit.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra' is a deciduous ornamental grass forming a compact, upright clump. The narrow, arching leaves are banded with horizontal creamy-yellow variegation, giving a distinctive striped effect that sets it apart from plain green grasses. Growth is dense and well-structured, maintaining a neat rounded habit throughout the growing season, making it a useful plant for adding form and texture to a border. In late summer and into autumn, coppery-pink plume-like flower heads emerge above the foliage, fading to a soft silvery-beige as they mature. These feathery plumes persist into winter, adding movement and interest to the garden when many other plants have died back. The foliage itself also turns attractive shades of gold and copper in autumn before dying back over winter, at which point the dried stems and seed heads can be left standing for structural interest until cutting back in early spring. The seed heads provide a source of food for birds during the colder months, while the clump offers shelter for small insects and other garden wildlife. This grass is tolerant of a range of soil types and is well suited to sunny borders, gravel gardens, or planting in groups for a naturalistic effect.

Winter Jasmine is a deciduous climber with a lax, cane-like growth habit, producing long, arching, whippy green stems that require support or tying in against a wall or trellis. The slender, trailing branches remain a fresh green colour throughout the year, providing subtle winter interest even when leafless. This plant is valued for its flowering display during the winter months, often from November through to March, when bright yellow, star-shaped flowers appear along the bare green stems before the foliage emerges. The small, trifoliate leaves develop in spring and are unremarkable in comparison to the striking winter flowers. Winter Jasmine is particularly suitable for training against a wall, fence or trellis, where its cane-like stems can be tied in to create coverage. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and is adaptable to both sunny and shady positions, making it a versatile choice for difficult corners of the garden where winter colour is desired. It is also well suited to growing over banks or sprawling as ground cover if left unsupported, with stems that will root where they touch the soil.

Pinus nigra 'Marie Bregeon' is an evergreen dwarf black pine, here trained as a quarter standard with a clear stem supporting a dense, rounded head of foliage. The needles are dark green, short and tightly packed, giving the crown a compact, bun-like appearance that holds its neat habit throughout the year. Bark on the clear stem is grey-brown, developing a rugged, plated texture as the tree matures, providing structural interest even when the foliage is not the main focus. The dense, cushion-like head makes it a strong architectural feature, well suited to formal planting schemes, containers or as a focal point within a border. Small, inconspicuous cones may form occasionally, though these are not a significant ornamental feature. This pine is tolerant of exposed and coastal conditions, coping well with salt-laden winds, and is also suited to free-draining soils. Its compact, slow-growing nature means it requires minimal pruning to maintain shape, making it a low-maintenance choice for year-round structure. The quarter standard form, with its clean stem and rounded canopy, lends itself to formal or contemporary garden designs, acting as a strong focal point or punctuating element along pathways, in gravel gardens or within raised beds.

Pittosporum ‘Victoria’ is an upright, bushy, dense, evergreen shrub with small, elliptic, leathery, silvery-green leaves with irregular, wavy, white margins, tinged dark pink in winter. Small, fragrant, bell-shaped, dark purple flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and are followed by dark grey seed capsules.

Pittosporum ‘Victoria’ can grow in a wide variety of soils, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun and the best leaf colour is in full sun, but it can grow well in partial shade. Resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, drying winter winds. It is tolerant of coastal conditions and ideal for coastal areas. Tolerant of urban pollution. Generally, pest-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Tawhiwhi or Kohuhu 'Victoria' is a great ornamental shrub, very attractive and resilient. Suitable for coastal, urban, and cottage gardens. Excellent for beds and borders, wall-side borders, and trellises. Great for hedges and screens, and for growing in containers.

Prunus 'Okame', Taiwan Cherry 'Okame', is a small, deciduous tree of upright, vase-shaped habit, but becomes more rounded as it matures. Simple, ovate, green leaves turn bronze-red and orange in autumn. Mildly scented, 5-petal, rosy-pink flowers with red calyces bloom in profusion in early spring on bare branches before the leaves emerge, creating a beautiful display. Attractive to birds and bees. Prunus 'Okame' grows best in moderately fertile, moist, and well-drained soil, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It is resistant to heat and cold. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. May suffer from a large number of pests and diseases. Cherry 'Okame' is a beautiful ornamental tree, perfect for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Stunning as a specimen plant or planted in small groups. Great choice for public areas, streets or parks.

Photinia Crunchy is an evergreen tree, trained here as a half standard with a clear stem and a rounded, well-furnished head of growth. Its main feature is the glossy foliage, which emerges in shades of vivid red and copper before maturing to a deep, dark green, giving the tree a two-tone appearance throughout the growing season. New growth continues intermittently, so flushes of red colour appear at various points, particularly in spring, adding ongoing visual interest against the darker, older leaves. In late spring, small white flowers are produced in clusters, though these are not the primary ornamental feature of the tree. The flowers can attract pollinating insects, offering a minor benefit to garden wildlife. This tree suits a formal or semi-formal garden setting, working well as a specimen tree or within a mixed border where its coloured foliage can be appreciated against greener planting. It tolerates a range of soil types, including clay, provided drainage is reasonable, and performs best in a sheltered position in full sun or light shade, as strong, cold winds can affect the quality of the new red growth. It is a low-maintenance choice for adding structure and year-round colour to a 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.

Yucca gloriosa 'Variegata', commonly known as Variegated Spanish Dagger or Variegated Moundlily Yucca, is an eye-catching evergreen succulent that brings bold texture and color to any garden or landscape. This hardy, architectural plant forms a dramatic rosette of sword-shaped leaves with striking variegation—rich green centers edged with creamy yellow margins. The foliage may take on a blush of pinkish-red tones in cooler months, adding seasonal interest. During late summer, it produces tall flower spikes adorned with clusters of fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Growing up to 3-4 feet in height and width, Yucca gloriosa 'Variegata' thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. It is ideal for coastal gardens, xeriscaping, and as a focal point in mixed borders.

Wisteria sinensis, or Chinese wisteria, is a large, vigorous, anticlockwise twining, deciduous climber with pinnate, dark green leaves and tiny, fragrant, mauve or lilac flowers appearing in long, dropping clusters and blooming in late spring. Flowers are followed by attractive, velvety, bean-like pods. Attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies.

Wisteria sinensis likes moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soil. It thrives in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Once established, it can withstand some drought. The best flowering occurs in full sun. It can withstand low temperatures, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Flower buds may be damaged by spring frost. It needs regular pruning to maintain its shape and size as it has invasive tendencies.

Chinese wisteria is a beautiful climber, but needs sturdy structures to grow. Perfect for large, strong, arbours, pergolas, fences, trellises or walls. It can be trained as a specimen tree. Suitable for growing in containers.

Acer palmatum Viridis is a graceful, mound-forming Japanese maple prized for its finely dissected, lace-like foliage and soft, cascading habit. Its leaves emerge a fresh, bright green in spring, creating a delicate, almost feathery texture. Through summer, the foliage remains a vibrant, luminous green that brings light and movement to shaded or partially shaded areas of the garden. As autumn approaches, Viridis undergoes a dramatic transformation, turning brilliant shades of gold, orange, and occasionally red, offering a stunning seasonal display.

This cultivar typically grows into a medium-sized, dome-shaped shrub or small tree, making it suitable for a wide range of garden sizes. Its elegant form is especially striking when positioned near water features, in Japanese-style gardens, or as a specimen in mixed borders. Viridis thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers dappled light or morning sun with protection from intense afternoon heat. Shelter from strong winds helps preserve its delicate leaves.

Maintenance is minimal, with only light pruning needed to refine its natural cascading shape. With its exceptional texture, soothing green tones, and glowing autumn colours, Acer palmatum Viridis brings year-round beauty and serenity to any garden setting.

Ninebark 'Diablo' is a deciduous shrub with a rounded, upright habit and dense, arching branches. Its most striking feature is the deep purple-maroon foliage, which holds its colour well throughout the growing season, providing a strong contrast against green garden plantings. The leaves are lobed and somewhat maple-like in shape, turning slightly darker as summer progresses. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers appear along the stems, creating a soft contrast against the dark foliage. These blooms are followed by reddish seed pods that add further interest into autumn. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, making this shrub a useful addition for gardens aiming to support local wildlife. The dense branching structure also offers shelter for small garden birds. This shrub performs well in a range of soil types, including clay, and tolerates both full sun and partial shade, though foliage colour is most vibrant with good light exposure. It is a versatile choice for borders, informal hedging, or as a specimen shrub, bringing structure and colour from late spring through to autumn.

Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis Compacta', commonly known as Compact Pyramidal Oriental Thuja or Chinese Arborvitae, is an evergreen conifer with a dense, neat conical form. The foliage consists of flattened, scale-like sprays arranged in vertical planes, bright green in colour and holding its colour well through the seasons. The growth habit is compact and symmetrical, making it a popular choice for formal planting schemes, low-maintenance hedging, or as a specimen plant where structure is required year-round. Its tight, upright shape requires minimal pruning to maintain a neat appearance, and the dense branching provides good screening and privacy from an early stage of growth. Small, inconspicuous cones may appear but are not a significant ornamental feature. This conifer performs best in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, and it tolerates a range of soil types including chalky and loamy conditions. It is a hardy plant suited to exposed sites as well as more sheltered garden positions, making it versatile for various garden designs. Due to its slow to moderate growth rate and reliable year-round structure, it is well suited to smaller gardens, borders, or as part of a mixed evergreen hedge where consistent shape and colour are desired throughout the year.

Hosta 'Fragrant Blue' is a herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in autumn and re-emerges each spring. It forms a dense mound of rounded to heart-shaped leaves with a distinctive powdery blue-grey colouring and a slightly puckered, textured surface. The foliage holds its colour well through the growing season, creating a striking clump in borders and shaded areas. In mid to late summer, tall flower spikes rise above the foliage bearing pale lavender, bell-shaped blooms that are lightly fragrant, a notable trait among hostas. The flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, offering a useful nectar source during summer months. This cultivar performs best in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil and is particularly suited to shady or partially shaded parts of the garden, including woodland-style plantings or beneath trees and shrubs. It tolerates clay soils provided drainage is adequate and benefits from consistent moisture during dry periods. The thick, textured leaves show some resistance to slug damage compared to thinner-leaved varieties, though some protection may still be needed in slug-prone gardens. Hosta 'Fragrant Blue' works well as ground cover, in mixed shade borders, or as a container specimen, providing reliable structure and colour contrast against greener foliage plants throughout the warmer months.