Aquilegias - will grow in a sunny spot or partial shade. They come in many colours – pink, purple, rose, white and red.

Broom or Cytisus x praecox is a shrub that grows to 4 foot or 1.2m. In spring they have pea like flowers in all the yellow shades, reds and combinations. Easy to grow from seed.

Cranesbills or Geraniums - good for the border or larger containers.

Grows to 20 inches or 50cm - does best in a sunny spot .

Cowslips - truly English Garden natives have lovely fragrant yellow flowers.
They will grow in a sunny spot but do better in partial shade. They grow up to 8 inches or 20cm.

Dianthus or Pinks – no English Garden should be without these beauties!
They grow best in a sunny spot – good for path edging, in containers or at the fronts of borders.
Pinks come in many colours – look out for the old-fashioned varieties as they have the best scent.

Geums will give you flowers from May into late summer. They look good planted in large groups in a sunny spot. They grow up to 24 inches or 60cm.

Lily of the Valley blooms in late May. It has small but beautifully scented white bell flowers. Looks wonderful as massed plantings but also does well in containers. Likes to grow in partial shade and reaches 6 inches or 15cm

Lupins with their tall spikes of brightly coloured flowers are a traditional favourite. They will grow in a sunny spot or partial shade

Pulmonaria has white flowers held above spotted leaves. Prefers a shaded spot and will grow up to 12 inches or 30cm.

Salvia nemorosa - lovely old cottage garden plant with violet flowers
Grows to 18 inches or 45cm. Prefers a sunny spot but also does fine in partial shade.

Solomon’s Seal – with its small greenish white blooms looks lovely in a shaded spot. Grows to 4 foot or 1.2m

Violas – these will grow in sun or partial shade. They can be planted in containers and hanging baskets or used at the front of a bed – it is another good plant to use as low edging for paths.
They come in all shades of purple, pink, cream, white and yellow and mixtures of colours – choose your favourite.

Verbascums have tall spikes of flowers and do well in containers or beds. They prefer the shade so will lighten up a shaded area of your garden. They come in many shades and heights up to 5 foot or 150cm.

Enjoy your English Garden in May