Carl Thunberg, who travelled in Japan in the late 18th century, gave it the species name palmatum, describing the hand-shaped leaves.

Recently there has been an explosion in the number of variegated forms available and members are growing them with great success.

None of this can convey the ‘Look at me!’ bravado of a plant in full flower.

It looks wonderful in dappled shade when, in early summer, individual shafts of light pick up the rich red and gold.

It repays just that little bit of effort on our part with beautiful, elegant white spires.

What springs to mind when you hear the word phlox?

If you don’t already know, which I didn’t, the Blue Ensign is a flag used by . . .

It is the more modest Lilium martagon that appeals to our members.

What makes a welcome guest? Someone who’s good company . . .

This plant brings us to Number 24 and takes us to the west coast of the US.

She needs a bit of coddling but will repay you well.

Gardeners are always looking for small trees and there are many varieties of sorbus that fill that role