Lilacs are popular shrubs, grown for their beautiful, heavily-scented blooms. This particular variety has coarser leaves. It is very attractive to birds, butterflies and bees so is particularly useful in a wildlife garden.

This small tree not only provides a beautiful shape for a feature, but the leaves are delicately filigree like long, lacy fingers. These are dark green in summer, turning yellow and orange in autumn. The stems are dark purple. Maples always prefer a sheltered spot away from cold winds, which tends to burn their foliage. It can also be grown in a container, but make sure it's well-watered.

This graceful spring-flowering iris has rich purple blooms. Easy to grow, it enjoys a sunny or partially shaded spot in moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil. To propagate, divide plants from mid-summer to early autumn. It makes a great planting partner for other moisture-loving plants, such as hostas and ligularia. For a bold effect plant it next to purple-leaved shrubs.

This deciduous conifer is one of the best known examples of a living fossil, remaining unchanged for millions of years. It is grown for its attractive shape and the curious fan-shaped leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Female trees produce small plum-like fruits with rancid flesh, though the kernels are edible.The nut-like gametophytes found inside the seeds are a traditional Chinese food and are believed to have health benefits. Ginkgos rarely suffer disease problems and are attacked by few insects, making this an excellent urban street tree.

This vase-shaped small tree or shrub puts on a spectacular display of large, white, four-petalled flowers in early summer. In autumn, its leaves turn from mid-green through red and purple shades and these, together with the large, round, red fruits which dangle in clusters from its stems. With lots to offer in every season, this tree is a truly valuable addition to a small garden.