This is a majestic plant that deserves a prominent position at the back of a border or in a wild part of the garden. It loves woodland conditions, with plenty of moist shade. All parts of the aromatic plant have culinary or medicinal uses, but it is best known for its candied stems, used as a cake decoration. In their first year, plants produce leafy bushes, and then die down and disappear completely from sight in winter in their second year they reach full size, and if prevented from flowering and seeding can survive for several years.

This sprawling, bushy Mediterranean annual is grown for its pretty red flowers and edible, four-winged pods. The young pods ripen in July/August and have the mild flavour and consistency of asparagus. Don't eat pods larger than 2.5cm (1in), which are tough and unpalatable. Plants can be grown in pots or modules and planted out after the last frosts. Leave the roots in the soil after harvesting as they give a boost of nitrogen to brassicas during the next season. The asparagus pea also makes attractive ground cover in floral borders.

This native European woodland plant appears in many guises, some dwarf and others very tall, with flowers in shades of pink and red - a white form is also available, and other species contribute yellow or rusty brown shades to the range. These blooms are attractive to bees. It is a popular biennial for shaded places, perennial if the flower stems are cut back promptly to prevent seeding. Otherwise plants seed themselves freely, and the seedlings can be transplanted if they are in the way. It is handsome and easy if watered well in dry weather, and looks spectacular at the back of a border.

Although it needs a large border, the giant scabious always attracts attention with its unusual 5cm (2in) wide, primrose yellow, rosette-like flowers. These tend to weigh down the tips of the wiry stems, giving the plant an informal look that is just right for a cottage garden. The plant also looks good at the back of a big herbaceous border, among large shrubs or trees in a mixed border, or in a light woodland clearing. In a well sheltered location it is self supporting, but in windier gardens it benefits from a tripod of rustic poles or bean poles.

Chives are popular perennial bulbs that spread to form neat tufted clumps, ideal for edging beds and paths, and particularly attractive when in flower. Regularly harvesting the tops of the pleasantly onion-flavoured leaves, used to flavour all kinds of dishes, also helps to stimulate further new young growth, which has the best flavour. The attractive flowers, mauve in rounded heads, are edible, make a pretty garnish, and are a favourite of bees and other pollinating insects. Chives are easily raised from seed, or a bought potful may be divided for growing on to produce several strong clumps.