Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' (Tufted hair grass 'Goldtau'): Early flowering grass, in flower by mid-July. Airy flower plumes which shimmer if catch the light. Shorter than many varieties. To 75cm.

Eryngium x zabelii 'Jos Eijking' (Sea Holly 'Jos Eijking'): Large steely blue bracts surround a dome of tiny blue flowers in summer. Long-lasting flowers.Thrives in a sunny,dry spot. To 70cm. Hardy.

Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman's root): Lovely plant with starry white flowers held high over elegant foliage. Great in light shade. Hardy. To 90cm.

Penstemon 'Garnet' (Syn. Penstemon 'Andenken an Friedrich Hahn'): Wine-red tubular flowers with white throat markings and narrow leaves. Semi-evergreen in milder areas. Protect from hard frosts.