GINA PARKINSON sings the praises of flowers that can give a gentle, misty feel to the garden.

I AM fond of small airy flowers such as those of Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenwing', forget-me-nots and Saxifraga urbium - London Pride.

They give a gentle misty feel to the garden, but over-use can lead to fussiness and they need to be planted with stronger, more structural plants for contrast.

Saxifraga urbium has rosettes of evergreen leaves that are topped with pinkish white flowers in spring and early summer. It spreads easily in moist but not water-logged soil in semi-shade, and can be used to provide ground cover at the front of beds and borders.

Unlike smaller species from this family, Saxifraga urbium is not suitable for growing in a rock garden because it is too invasive.

Grow it with hardy geraniums, especially ones with interesting leaves such as the deeply-cut ones of Geranium pratense 'Splish Splash' and the round, sage-like foliage of Geranium renardii; or with Heuchera micrantha diversifolia 'Palace Purple' with its dramatic rich reddish-purple leaves.

Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenwing' is a brown-leafed cow parsley which, in my garden, grows about 60cm tall with thin flower stems and dainty leaves.

In the rich clay soil of my parents' garden it is a different story - their plant is at least 90cm high and has formed a large clump of leaves and thick, strong flower stems.

I grow mine with Geranium phaeum, its maroon flowers contrasting well with the light blooms of the cow parsley and echoing the dark foliage. Nearby Thalictrum aquilegifolium gives height and Anthemis tinctoria 'Sauce Hollandaise' and Aster divaricatrus are waiting in the wings to flower after the geranium and anthriscus have finished.

Clematis catalogue

THOMPSON and Morgan have formed a partnership with clematis expert Raymond J. Evison to produce a mail order clematis collection launched at this year's Chelsea Flower Show and available from their Clematis Collection 2003 catalogue.

The catalogue is arranged in sections and themes to illustrate clematis varieties suitable for different types of environments, such as sun or shade, patios or borders, and small or large areas. Highlights include the Prairie Collection with herbaceous clematis suitable for growing through plants in the border. A collection of four plants - 'Savannah', 'Gazelle', 'Chinook' and 'Medley' costs £17.98. Individual plants are £8.99 each.

To request a copy of the catalogue ring 01787 884141 between 9am-8pm. All orders from the catalogue will receive a free 28-page clematis catalogue, while orders above £19.99 will receive a clematis starter pack consisting of a trowel, plant ties and fertiliser.

Updated: 09:32 Saturday, May 31, 2003