Life

Best of the bunch

Japanese Anemone

ALSO known as windflowers, these stalwarts of the late summer border produce pretty papery white or pink flowers on tall stems from August through to October, can be grown in sun or shade and are good for lighting up a dark corner of the garden. They like well-drained soil and often spread by themselves, creating new clumps that can be lifted and planted elsewhere. Beware, though, I've found that once they are in your border they may be difficult to remove completely if you decide you don't like them.

A multitude of flowers are produced throughout the summer and are ideal subjects for cut flowers and borders. Good varieties include A. hupehensis 'Prinz Heinrich', which grows to 90cm (36in) and produces semi-double dark pink flowers and A. x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert', which grows up to 140cm (56in) and produces white single flowers.