Galega officinalis / Goat’s Rue

Low-growing perennial variety with hairy dark green leaves and delicate blue bell-shaped flowers from early summer to late autumn. Just like annual Borage, the flowers of this perennial veriety are very useful for all pollinators as they refill with nectar within only two mintues after a bee has visited. Ideal for difficult areas in the garden like dry shady spots. The flowers are edible and can be added to salads or frozen in ice cubes to decorate delicious summer drinks.

Monarda is also known as Bergamot and this variety bears interesting fluffy rich scarlet flowers that appear in early summer and flower all the way into autumn. This plant is very aromatic and retains its scent when dried. May need dividing every three years to revive the plant.

Cobalt blue flowers that resemble butterflies emerge in summer and last all the way into autumn. The plants can cope with light frosts but might need extra protection during extreme cold temperatures. Cut back in late summer to encourage a second flush in autumn and then trim the following year in spring to strenghten new growth.