When thinking about what plant to share with you, from the depths of my Christchurch winter, I felt like we needed some uncomplicated cheer - and no garden creature for me is as free loving and happy as Knautia macedonica.

As a newbie to the world of miscanthus, I can say that I have thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of their ever-changing annual cycle. From a freshly chopped back clump in late winter to their muted green, lightly variegated fresh growth in spring. Their height and feathery presence seemed to perfectly complement the plants around them at any given time, acting as a soft foil to the shorter spring specimens and then a taller textural support act amid my wild and frothy summer show.

Tough, hardy and bringing blooms to autumn, persicaria is an interesting genus to explore! Even if it’s reputation is for it being a little ‘keen’ at times.

Have a browse through this list of extraordinary, architectural plants that are firmly on my wishlist.

Penstemons are hardy, long-lasting and long-flowering perennials that will help you dictate the vibe and colour in your planting.

Being great picking as well as offering an eye-catching form in any garden bed, sanguisorba only tops off its good looks with its very easy-going needs once established. Seek some out!

On my mission of discovery and research to learn more about the aquilegia world, I have met many beautiful subjects of it this spring. I was intrigued to see dark-stemmed specimens with petals ranging from ombre sunset to the blackest of blues.

Showstoppers included circus-like, bi-coloured giants that, as my friend pointed out, resembled flying fish across a planting.Read on to learn more about this tough but beautiful specimens!

As a non-gardener I think I thought euphorbia was ugly - now I see the variety of form and colour these resilient plants bring to a spring garden!

Inspired by a fantastic book, I have sought to include lots of different shapes in my garden to create a whimsical wild vibe. Click through to learn about dots, panicles and spikes that might be great to add to your own recipe!

The award to longest flowering, least problematic perennial plant in my garden goes to gaura! Read on about this beautiful romantic option for your beds.

Fabulous echinacea is an incredibly gratifying plant to grow as a beginner. It improves its clump year after year with character filled, long lasting flowers and fascinating seed heads.

Read on for my favourites!

Enter the world of umbellifers and introduce fantastical shapes and structure to your home and garden!
I list my favourites with unexpected mentions.

If I had to choose just one flowering annual to grow in my garden, it would be cosmos. No matter what, they seem to have a built-in garden vibe that is joyous and casual, a real plus for those looking to create an informal atmosphere.

Read on to learn how easy it is to get some cosmos joy in your own garden..