One of the advantages of being a “specialist” – be it native plants, rock garden, grasses or whatever – is that most of what’s on offer is of no interest because you either have it already or it doesn’t fit in the environment you’re creating.

The dappled light on a shade bed nicely sets off the woodland flowers that flower in spring – it’s a symphony in blue and yellow right now, with the Virginia Bluebells (mertensia virginica) at their glorious peak.

I’ve spend years avoiding peat.