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Best grown in rich, moist soils in full sun to part shade. Adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones. Large plantings may be sheared after bloom to remove flower spikes and stimulate new vegetative growth. Soil barriers may be used to restrain spread if plants are grown in borders or other areas where spread is unwanted.

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aka Mint Vietnamese or Cambodian mint or laksa leaf

Also known as Vietnamese coriander, Cambodian mint and laksa leaf this has to be my favourite Asian herb. This perennial, which has striking pointed leaves, lime green in colour with dark inner markings. With purple stems the whole plant has a wonderfully strong citrus aroma with a taste to match.

Native to peninsular South-East Asia

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Mentha arvensis is a species of mint with a circumboreal distribution. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe and western and central Asia, east to the Himalaya and eastern Siberia, and North America.

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aka Japanese Silver Grass

A showy ornamental grass. Foliage has a distinctive bronze autumn color. Tassel-like flowers which mature to silver appear in autumn, rising 30-50cm above the foliage. Dies down in winter, trim back before spring so new growth comes through nice and fresh. Deciduous. Hardy.

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aka Ornamental Grass

This ornamental grass is a compact perennial with narrow leaves, finely edged with white and pink-tinged tassels of flowers in autumn. Cut down old foliage in winter so new, fresh leaves will shoot in Spring.

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aka Chatham Island Forget-me-not

The Chatham Island forget-me-not is a stunning perennial with large, glossy ribbed foliage topped off with bold clusters of brightest blue flowers in summer and spring. Grow in a sheltered shady spot. Must have protection from afternoon sun. If happy will form a large clump. Evergreen.

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aka Nemesia

A perennial Nemesia with dainty stems of deep maroon fragrant flowers set amongst the mid green foliage. Likes a morning sun or part shade position and will be at its best in early spring. Nice for container planting too. Trim off spent flower heads to encourage re-bloom. Evergreen.

Trim back spent flowers to encourage more flower spikes.

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aka Nemesia

A perennial Nemesia with dainty stems of white to pale pink with a bright golden eye in the centre. Fragrant flowers set amongst the mid green foliage. Likes a morning sun or part shade position and will be at its best in early spring. Nice for container planting too. Trim off spent flower heads to encourage re-bloom. Evergreen. PVR.

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aka Bromeliad

Bromelliad. This small bromeliad produces leaves arranged in an urn shape which collect rainwater in the base. Leaves are red if grown in full sun but revert to green if planted in shade. Leaves are oblong with rough, serrated margins.

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aka Catmint

Dwarf Catmint. Go on make the cat happy and plant at least one of this easy care and pretty perennial. Aromatic grey-green foliage topped off with blue flowers that appear off and on from spring to autumn. Tidy with a quick trim and fresh foliage soon appears. Likes the sun and good drainage. Evergreen.

Catmint looks good as a low edging for borders or as a link plant amongst groups of perennials. Cats do love this plant so be prepared to have at least some of it rolled on, licked and generally loved by your cat. This will induce feverish activity followed by deep slumber!