This pretty, jade green succulent has an upright habit and lightly curved, mainly smooth leaves with small leaf scars. Yellow, star-shaped flowers appear on larger plants, borne in cone-shaped clusters at the end of the stems. The leaf rosettes die back after flowers are finished. This plant thrives best in a sunny, dry position and needs little watering. It does, however, need very well drained soil, so dig in some extra grit if planting outdoors. Alternatively, this plant makes a good houseplant and is particularly forgiving to those who may forget to water it. Unlike many plants, it needs only the occasional deep drink.

Known as 'Chilean pine' but more commonly as the 'Monkey puzzle' tree. It has long spidery branches, densely and geometrically arrayed with rigid, leathery, spine-tipped leaves. Incidentally, the all too rare perfect mature specimen, with branches intact right down to ground level, is one of the most handsome, graceful and noble of all trees.

Despite its common name, this plant is not in fact a palm but in fact a cycad. Originally from Japan and Korea, it has been cultivated for centuries. It's undemanding and easy to care for, and can also be kept as a long-lived house plant. It has a reputation for being slow-growing, but it will often suddenly swing into action and grow several new leaves within a matter of weeks. A sago palm make a great addition to a summer patio, but larger specimens can also be planted out into the garden. Mature plants can withstand quite severe frosts, but do insulate any younger plants against cold weather.

Papyrus is a highly ornamental rush that can be grown outside during the summer months. It forms an upright clamp on long stalks each one topped with an umbrella of fine green foliage. It's an attractive, architectural plant that combines well with other low-growing water plants such as irises and water lilies. Plants require a very wet site, where their roots are standing in water to produce the best effects. They are not frost-hardy and must be overwintered in a warm greenhouse or conservatory.

A fast-growing horsetail that has unbranched stems with rough black ribs which slightly constrict the stem. As a marginal plant in a garden setting needs confining to prevent unwanted spreading. Plant in an aquatic basket lined with Hessian to restrict growth. As the stems remain green throughout the winter provides useful winter interest, and its slightly pre-historic look makes it a curiosity for the pond.