Galega officinalis / Goat’s Rue

This evergreen perennial stands out because of it’s unusual look with its sturdy flower stems that are covered in whorls of pale yellow hooded flowers. After flowering these turn into architectural seedheads that give interest to your border in the bleak winter months and offer shelter for small insects.

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.

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.