Key plants in the Strive and Thrive garden

A multi-stemmed shrub or tree with interest all year round. Known as the seven son flower tree deriving from the honeysuckle family. Glossy green leaves emerge in spring and then white panicles of flowers in late summer to early autumn, leaving red bracts attractive to insects and butterflies. The bark matures to a beautiful flaky grey of particular interest in the winter. Happy in all soil conditions, full sun or partial shade it is hardy, surviving down to minus 20°C, making it a resilient all-rounder. Heptacodium is relatively new to the UK, being a native of China. This tree is chosen because of its resilience to the UK climate and the year round structural interest it provides. It is part of the structural layer in the ‘plant community’.

A resilient clump forming perennial grass. It sends up airy frothy florets in late summer, turning bronze into autumn, often lasting into the winter providing cover for birds and insect life, beautiful in frosty weather (Goldtau means golden dew). It is tolerant of moister ground and even occasional flooding, so is useful at the edge of rain gardens. It nicely covers the ground preventing soil erosion. This grass is chosen due to its resilient qualities and year round interest. It is part of the structural layer in the ‘plant community’.

Fully hardy, a robust resilient summer flowering tall perennial, able to withstand extreme heat and cold temperatures. Much loved by bees and butterflies, as well as moths and goldfinches. A long flowerer through late summer. This plant is chosen as it provides seasonal colour in summer with its unusual drooping petals. It forms part of the seasonal layer in the ‘plant community’.

This spreading ground cover perennial has fabulous prostrate stems with lime green flowers in early spring providing much needed nectar for bees and other pollinating insects early in the year and then gorgeous waxy glaucous blue-green leaves the rest of the year. It likes well-drained ground and can cope with stony terrain. Fully hardy and is happy in an exposed or sheltered spot. This plant is chosen because of its vibrant colour, its spreading nature and appeal to pollinators. It forms part of the functional ground cover layer in the ‘plant community’.

A wonderful mix of wild flowers and grasses, suitable for dry meadows and moister areas. As well as attracting bees and butterflies, the seedball mix attracts beneficial insects such as beetles, lacewings and day flying moths. This wildflower mix appeals to insects and ability to flourish in different moisture levels. It forms part of the dynamic filler layer in the ‘plant community’.