In my first book, Wild about Weeds, I detail over 50 wild plants recommended to grow in garden designs. Since then, I’ve been trialling many more and here I wanted to share ten of my favourites in addition to those listed in the book!
1) Cytisus scoparius
Scotch broom is my ultimate shrub, I love, love, love it! With evergreen upright whipcord stems, even in winter its a striking architectural plant. In spring, bright yellow flowers emerge with a wonderful spicy scent. The flower buds are edible and best when picked before opening. While gardening books recommend trimming them for added bushiness, I much prefer its natural windswept habit that is open, with strong upright main stems. It is my current ultimate plant for explaining what I mean by the look of the wild way. There are various cultivars and hybrids too. I love the way its flowers contrast with our dark grey door and stone.
Height: head height
Position: full sun to slight shade
Soil: any free draining, though I find tolerant of…