The end of Summer is nigh. Growth rates have never been so good. The extension growth on some of our trees is more than one metre since last Winter. To put this into perspective, growth rates on the same trees in 2019 were struggling to get beyond 5cm. The ebb and flow of changing climatic conditions never ceases to surprise us.

We will have a stall at two plant fairs this year - the Collector's Plant Fair at Clarendon (9-10 April) and the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens Plant Fair in Bowral (23-24 April). Hope to see some of you there.

We've put together a list of plants below that we haven't released previously and we won't be taking to the plant fairs as we have limited numbers.

Nepeta racemosa 'Select'

Handsome grey green foliage covered in dramatic blue lavender flowers through Spring and Summer. Persian Catmint is more upright in habit and less sprawling than other Nepeta. Tolerates poor soils and xeric climatic conditions. 60cm x 60cm. 

Teucrium hircanicum

Native to Iran and the Caucasus Mountains north of Iran. 'Purple Tails is a tough plant that is tolerant of extreme heat and cold once established. The flowers are the colour of grape bubble gum or a dusky purple/red. They stand vertical 10-15cm in length and provide contrast to well rounded neighbours. Handles virtually any situation and soil type (except heavy clay). The foliage is apple green, sage-like and rather course. Height 60cm x 40cm wide.

Helenium 'Pumilum Magnificum'

With large butter yellow daisy like flowers upon lush green foliage, Helenium 'Pumilum Magnificum' is an eye catcher in any garden. A maximum height of 70cm this variety has been in cultivation since the 19th century. Flowering in mid Summer through to Autumn. Requires good soil, full sun and adequate moisture to perform at its best. The longevity of this variety in cultivation is proof of its value in the garden.

Salvia yangii (syn. Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Commonly called Russian Sage. Best known for its silvery stems and aromatic deeply divided grey/silver foliage which in Summer is covered in lavender blue flowers. Frost and drought tolerant, this upright subshrub makes a formidable show when planted in drifts. Maximum height to 90cm. Prefers full sun and requires good drainage. Combines well with Rudbeckia and Sedum varieties. 

Hesperaloe parviflora

We are a huge fan of this plant for numerous reasons: First, it's ability to handle extreme hot and dry conditions plus it handles frost no problem; Second, it's slender, arching evergreen blue-green foliage that forms a dense clump; Third, this plant is stunning when in flower during the Summer months with an elegant panicle of reddish pink flowers. An architecturally intriguing plant that makes an impact en masse or as a potted specimen. Full sun. Approx. 1 x 1m.

Andropogon scoparius 'Prairie Blue'

Quite vertical in its appearance, this shorter form (80cm) of 'Little Blue Stem' has blue grey foliage which turns to a striking autumnal purple, orange hue. Silvery pretty flower heads sit above the foliage in late Summer. 'Prairie Blues' thrives in heat and drought. Excessive nutrients and water will cause it to flop. Stunningly beautiful en masse. Approximately 80cm x 40cm.

Buddleja curviflora

An upright shrub, bearing purple flowers which are curved in shape and only bear flowers on one side of the spike. Pale furry, green leaves with silver underside. Exceptionally tough. 2m high. 

Buddleja CranRazz

A superb variety of Buddleja davidii bred for its vibrant magenta blooms and excellent form. Long flowering period from early Summer through Autumn.  Grows up to 1.5m high x 1.5m wide. Full sun. Drought and heat tolerant.