Choose a focal plant, such as a structural shrub or annual climber grown on a small tripod, for the centre of the scheme. The delicate bluebell – or Campanula rotundifolia if we are to get technical – is a welcome addition to a well-rounded garden, as it attracts bees and butterflies. Unsurprisingly, it is hardy in low winter temperatures, and flowers continuously from late spring into autumn given temperatures above 12°C.

Climbing plants on fences or walls make nesting and roosting sites for birds, and provide a haven for small animals and insects. While not a specialist book I can highly recommend it for any gardener in Scotland or one in a similar climate and it would be an extremely useful book to give to any one just starting out on the gardening journey. The scale of this project, which will audit an estimated 100,000 items, represents a major investment in managing and preserving our plant collections. Firstly, create some shelter by installing a wind-breaking hedge or row of trees, staking trees and installing windbreak netting against newly installed hedging plants. Everyone recognises these blue bell flowers, but most of do not know that the flowers and leaves are a great addition to a salad bowl.It was -18 here last winter, I need plants which are going to survive our conditions, not expensive mistakes that will die. Our wildlife has evolved with these particular species, so they are much more likely to survive when they are about.

A few miles down the road from Holmwood, Greenbank’s walled garden has been designed to showcase new ideas and techniques for domestic gardens and contains over 3,600 named plants as well as important collections of Narcissus and Bergenia. As well as our our in-depth ranges of alpines, perennials ferns and grasses we offer a good range of choice shrubs and bedding (when in season). It naturally grows in a compact, rounded shape, so is good for structure even when it’s not in flower, and will be happy in full sun or partial shade.

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Found at high altitude in the Highlands of Scotland, a very hardy survivor of rocky exposed habitats. Himself a nurseryman, Kenneth is managing director of the family firm Glendoick Gardens Ltd near Perth and author of numerous books, including The Encyclopedia of Rhododendron Hybrids (with Peter A.WHEN ALL the gardening world is focused on plants for drought, it's good to find a book for those who garden in the cold and wetter parts of the north. They can brighten up a corner of the garden, provide handy herbs by the kitchen or make an entrance look welcoming.

The bold, palmate foliage is semi evergreen – it can sometimes be susceptible to leaf spot, a fungal disease, but simply cut the affected leaves right back (don’t put them on your compost). Virtually all of our plants are grown on our own Staffordshire plant nursery at 750ft above sea level, thereby creating hardy plants that will be tolerant of the challenging conditions in your garden. Aromatic foliage and flowers for pot-pourri, herb pillows, curdling milk, colouring cheese and a red dye for fabrics.

To encourage a wide variety of wildlife to visit your garden, it is advisable to choose native trees and shrubs. From Lerwick to Logan and from Berwick to Kintyre, this is the book for all of Scotlands' gardeners. Of the 6,413 species in Scotland, there has been a 24% decline in average species abundance (the number of individuals per species), and 11% of our species have become endangered since 1970.