As you look forward to the first shoots of Spring in your garden, have you ever wondered if there are any unusual plants which will add some early season WOW to your borders? Well, in my first two years here at the nursery I have seen so many and planted quite a few in my garden. Here are my top three candidates, all producing a fantastic display, which you may not have heard of, but which I can recommend.

IPHEION uniflorum ‘Hardy's Hybrid’

Perfect for rock gardens, gravel gardens and containers, this dainty spring starflower produces masses of pale lilac blue, honey scented starry flowers from late winter into spring, neatly sitting above blue-green grass-like foliage. You can also use it to edge your borders providing your soil is fertile and well-drained. Tulips like the same conditions and make a good follow-on choice.

'I like this one because it gives such a delicate display early in the year and yes, I couldn’t resist buying it for my garden.'

DORONICUM x excelsum ‘Harper Crewe’

Zingy yellow daisies, each studded with a deep golden yellow centre, bob and weave on high branching stems above heart-shaped mid green foliage.

'Just looking at it in Spring cheers me up as this wonderfully sunny daisy really adds punch to a border, flowering for weeks on end.'

TIARELLA 'Pink Skyrocket'

This TIARELLA makes fabulously delicate and frothy ground cover for a partially shaded site. Once the flowers finish, its handsome leaves continue the interest.

'I'm attracted to it because it combines so well with other woodland plants plus flowers for ages in late spring and early summer. Its value to our gardens should be recognised more.'

For the full description of these and to find many more go to the PLANT FINDER on our website.