Yellow-white flowers and succulent foliage which is excellent to eat either fresh, cooked or pickled. The seedheads that were left uncut over winter for the wildlife may well have been pummelled by the unforgiving weather by now, and the berries devoured by the birds long ago.

He lives with his family in Fife and is also gardening correspondent for The Herald magazine, and a part-time lecturer in garden design. Native biennial that is used in traditional and homeopathic medicine for inflammations and nerve problems. You can also ensure that your garden has a mixture of native plant species, with plenty of sheltered areas for birds to seek refuge.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. However, more tender plants like citrus trees require extra protection from a greenhouse or cold frame during the coldest periods. Water containers carefully in winter, making sure you check the compost regularly as it can soon dry out in mild spells. As Landscape Historian with Historic Scotland, Raoul led the online publication of An Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes In Scotland.

As with most of the plants mentioned here, Rodgersias loves moist soil, and it can also grow without direct sunlight – perfect for the dull Scottish weather. Each of us, whether you have a window box, a field or even no garden at all, can support and protect Scotland’s biodiversity. Spectacular plant, producing enormous spined glossy green leaves with milk-white veins and large purple flowers. Cox), A Plantsman's Guide to Rhododendrons , Cox's Guide to Choosing Rhododendrons (with Peter Cox), The Encyclopedia of Rhododendron Species (with Peter Cox), Rhododendrons: a Hamlyn Care Manual and Rhododendrons and Azaleas . Herbaceous plants: Heuchera (coral bells) are an excellent choice for their evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage in green or rich plum shades, some with exquisite markings.Deciduous shrub with aromatic foliage utilised for flavouring beer or in pot-pourri, linen bags and repelling insects. Covering trees, conifers, fruit, shrubs, perennials, bamboos, grasses, herbs and hedging, this book is a one-volume guide for Scottish gardeners, both experienced and beginners.