The truest blue of the dwarf grasses and totally drought-proof once established, this is a gem for a rock garden. The stiff thread-like blue foliage and steel blue flower-heads form dense rather upright tussocks, which look good grown for foliage interest amongst a wide variety of rock plants. They are also good subjects for containers, and look brilliant in terracotta pots. Alternatively grow several plants 20cm (8in) or more apart as ground cover in front of shrubs in a well-drained border. Plants develop their most intense coloration when kept dry in summer.
Buxus sempervirens Common box
Common box is a vigorous, evergreen, bushy, upright shrub or small tree. It has small, rounded to oblong, glossy dark green leaves. Its dense habit makes it ideal for hedging or screening and it can be closely clipped into different shapes. An excellent plant to make into topiary, as you can leave a smart finish after trimming. It's best to choose the dwarf form of this shrub for low hedging to create a knot or parterre.
Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' Japanese rush
'Ogon' is a specially attractive, dwarf, rush-like plant with gold and green variegated leaves which, while not fully evergreen, will withstand all but the worst winters. Grown only for their foliage, plants associate well with other compact evergreens such as bergenia and black mondo grass to make outstanding winter and early spring displays - ideal for the front of damp sunny borders or in containers. Its size makes it specially suitable for miniature water features such as half barrels or large ceramic bowls filled with water.
Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata' Elaeagnus
Also known as 'Aureovariegata', this is perhaps the best-known and most reliable variegated form. This vigorous, spreading shrub from Japan is very adaptable, and may be grown on most soils except shallow chalk and is also tolerant of coastal sites. The rich gold variegation provides a striking addition to a border and is useful for lifting a dull corner of the garden. It can be planted as a hedge and clipped twice a year for a formal finish or trained as a wall shrub. Insignificant but strongly scented white flowers are produced over the winter months. The foliage is also popular in flower-arranging. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Yucca aloifolia Spanish Bayonet
Although they are often reagrded as plants for hot dry places, yuccas are hardier than they appear. They will thrive in most sheltered well-drained spots and only tend to fail in cold exposed inland positions, where they are better grown as container plants. They are handsome, architectural, foliage plants for dry sunny borders and are particularly suitable for gardens by the sea. This species makes an impressive thick-stemmed plant, rarely branching and crowned with a thick clump of sharp-pointed leaves. Its eye-catching flower-spikes can reach 2.1m (7ft) high. It's great for creating a jungle atmosphere in a sheltered garden.
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"This design aims to be a garden of style and appeal at an affordable price, providing inspirational ideas that are still within reach of the average pocket. With the lack of water and threat of hosepipe bans this year, I was keen to create a garden that was practical given the large variations in our weather year to year.
"Swapping large canals and ponds for water-saving fountains that pop up through paving, we have tried to retain all the drama that such features bring, while reducing the amount of water we use. This theme is carried through to our drought-tolerant planting and even dry stone walls and gabions, which require no water to make!"
Geoff Whiten - designer of A Garden of Tranquility
Vote now for your favourite garden in the BBC RHS People's Award.
"This design aims to be a garden of style and appeal at an affordable price, providing inspirational ideas that are still within reach of the average pocket. With the lack of water and threat of hosepipe bans this year, I was keen to create a garden that was practical given the large variations in our weather year to year.
