Dianthus, or pinks, form low mounds of blue-grey foliage topped with fringed flowers that carry a clove scent, mainly in late spring. Shear them after the first flush and many will bloom again later in the season. Their foliage stays neat, so they look good even between flowerings.

Plant in full sun in lean, well-drained soil, because rich wet ground is what rots them out here, especially on our heavy clay. Use them at the edge of a border or let them spill over a low wall where the drainage is naturally sharp.