I have been looking back at some older pictures which I took with a different camera and realised that I had missed a few genera out previously so here they are.

Acanthus mollis

Acanthus mollis or Bear’s Britches is an easy to grow robust herbaceous perennial with striking flower spikes and glossy semi-evergreen leaves, a stalwart of the cottage garden.

Adenophora

Adenophoras, sometimes known as Lady Bells are a close relative of the campanulas but those I have grown had a more dainty habit with smaller bells. Like campanulas they are generally easy going but averse to winter wet. Easy from seed.

Agapanthus

The agapanthus or African Lily is a popular plant for both the border and containers. Originating from S.Africa it needs full sun in virtually any free-draining soil but will not tolerate winter wet. There are many colours available ranging through blue and purple shades to white. Although they are regarded as hardy I personally would not guarantee it and advise caution.

Alchemilla

Alchemilla mollis or Lady’s Mantle has been a familiar sight in gardens for many years, it is both easy to grow and seeds itself regularly. Not a great favourite I must admit but it is interesting to note where the name came from. Legend and botanists have it that the alchemists of old used to collect the morning dew from its leaves for their potions, hence alchemilla.

Anaphalis

Grown from seed out of curiosity Anaphalis triplinervis is an unusual plant with its everlasting flowers held over attractive silver grey leaves. A member of the aster family it hails from the Himalayas and, although it is of interest to the flower arrangers, it wasn’t for me.

Cynara

Cynara cardunculus known as the Cardoon or Cardoon Thistle is an extraordinary plant, the artichoke is a more refined version of it. It prefers a light well drained soil in full sun to do its best. It is a robust hardy perennial whose flower heads, coming in late summer, are attractive to bees and other insects. The third picture was taken in Scotland the other two in my garden.

Cyclamen

I don’t know how I managed to overlook cyclamens as they are one of my favourite alpines. Unlike the well known house plant, usually cultivars of C.persicum, hardy cyclamen come easily from seed and are ideal for the “woodland garden”. Cyclamen coum is a winter flowering plant appearing in early winter and spring, whereas Cyclamen hederifolium is in flower in late summer and early autumn. Both have several cultivars with variations in both flower colour, including white, leaf markings and shades. One tip as they spend much of the year dormant you need to mark out or remember where they are. Small but very rewarding.

Dipsacus

Teasel is a biennial but I have included it here as it makes a good border plant the upright stems and old calyx remain standing adding winter interest. The tiny blue flowers appear in a band round the flower-head and the resulting seeds are attractive to goldfinches. The foliage is quite attractive and has spines along the underside of center rib. Definitely one for the flower arrangers.

Echinops

Like most thistles Echinops ritro, the Globe Thistle, can thrive in dry poor soil in full sun. A spectacular addition to the border it has grey-green toothed leaves with a whitish underside, the flowers are purple and attractive to bees and other insects. Another popular plant for the flower arrangers.