The herbaceous perennial boarder is still one of the most popular features in many developed gardens in the British Isles.
Perennial plants have gained popularity, over the annual garden plants, because of their low maintenance and not needing to be re-planted every year.
Perennial plants are grown from seed, cuttings and splits and cover a large number of species, many now being introduced from other countries such as Australia , New Zealand , Japan and China .
True alpines are classed by botanists as plants which grow between the permanent snow line and the limit of conifer tree growth. Around the world the equivalent of this area is found at sea level regions and above 6000 feet in other parts. Alpines are adaptable for survival in extreme conditions.
For many months of the year the alpine plants are protected by a deep layer of crisp snow which keeps them dry and at a constant, low temperature, but not nearly as low as the air temperature above the snow. In spring these alpine plants receive copious amounts of moisture as the snow melts and they make rapid growth.
Herbs have gained popularity over recent years as eating habits have changed and they have been featured on television cookery programs.
An herb garden is a favourite way of assembling herbs and examples can be seen in many Botanical gardens and at Historical houses throughout the British Isles.
Mostly, the average gardener only grows the herb varieties he or she likes for their own consumption or decoration.
