Plants M to P

If you are ever in London and close to The Old Vic look in the square in front of the theatre.

There are many varieties of Miscanthus, all of which make good garden plants. They look impressive all year round, providing fountains of tall foliage during spring and summer, delicate plumes during the summer and autumn ahnd bleached brown clumps that look spectacular when caught by winter frosts.

To bring shocking pinks and reds to the subdued colours of autumn, plant Nerines. They need baking, well drained soil and as soon as they have settled down, will soon multiply.

Who would not want to grow peonies? From the first sign of their powerful shoots pushing through the soil amongst narcissus and tulips to their startling seed pods and the fiery tints of their dying foliage. The flowers can be sumptuous and extravagant or demure and soothing. A plant for everyone.

Panicum virgatum, the switchgrass of the North American prairie, is an adaptable grass that will grow in a wide range of conditions.

What is it about poppies. Symbol of the fallen in the Great War and so a symbol of hope. Lest we forget we go to war a century later in Afghanistan (in part at least) over production of the same plant. Perhaps we have already forgotten.

For me, more than the hepaticas, more than the snowdrops, it is the pulmonarias that are the real heralds of spring. Their craftioy-changing flower colours, sparkling foliage and licentious self-seeding all point away from winter towards summer's exuberance. Yes, all that from a humble lungwort.