Shorter than C. Lucifer and a bit more delicate but very beautiful with open flowers and mostly reliable.

The king of the Crocosmias - statuesque, flaming and reliable.

I grow these from seed each year and love their airy addition to the border. The simple Sonata White is probably my favourite but Choca Moca with its chocolate smell is also a firm favourite and popular with the children.

Under the roses. Still awaiting judgement. In 2012 I have also planted some under R. Graham Thomas so we'll see how they do.

This little chap always gives me a shock because I forget it's there. It disappears underground when dormant and then suddenly I get electric blue flowers appearing at the edge of the bed in mid Summer. It's curious looking with hooded flowers but has bright yellow stamens and keeps going into autumn. It's a slightly tender, tuberous perennial but seems to be tough enough.

A really old-fashioned Clematis but perfect for North facing walls and fences. She has fabulous large, early, stripey flowers every year reliably on the North facing back fence with no pruning except to reduce if needs be. Now also up the Silver Birch.

This is scrambler not a climber and has been reliable since planted. It starts in a pretty purple bell shape and opens into a nearly blue flower. It scrambles through the Philadelphus and the roses and flowers all season. Great value.

Completely fabulous, strong with large white flowers and yellow stamens. Has been cut back hard at least twice and just keeps on going.

Up the Ceanothus. Large, pale pink flowers and scented. Still to really get going but lovely even in its early state.

Fabulous large, early, white flowers with a pale green central stripe and purple stamens up the North facing fence with C. Nelly Moser.