Brachyscome. There are about 50 species, usually with mauve, daisy-like flowers. B. multifida is probably the most reliable in the garden.

Brachyscome need a reasonable amount of sun and water to do well.

Various types of paper daisy [Bracteantha bracteata (previously known as Helichrysum bracteatum)] grow easily from cuttings from seed. They can seed themselves but can easily be moved if they are in the wrong place.

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Kangaroo paws [Anigozanthos] are very useful plants. Although they are a Western Australian species many of the hybrids and cultivars are successful in the east.

Another colourful plant from Western Australia is Chorizema cordatum which seems to like some shade. It has orange or yellow flowers.

Eremophilas [Emu bushes] are found in arid areas but seems to respond well to being watered as long as they are well drained. The foliage is often coated with a waxy coating or covered with grey hairs to combat the rigours of a harsh climate.

Eremophila maculata is the most reliable species.

Derwentia arenaria has lovely bright blue flowers which appear on the plant for several months. You need to cut it back after flowering but they need replacing after a couple of years.

Scaevola or fan flowers are very useful plants that are propagated very easily from cuttings and will take half shade. There are mauve and pink forms and they flower throughout spring and summer. Scaevola aemula is the most common one.

With many gardeners wishing to grow their own vegetables, and the wider range of varieties that are now available, spring is the time to get the vegetable garden ready for planting out.

Drainage should be good and heavy soils should be treated with dolomite or lime before planting takes place. If the soil is sticky clay, then gypsum should be added to improve the structure of the soil. Humus, in the form of straw, hay or mulch will add greatly to the condition of the soil.

Many modern gardens have limited space available, so it is preferable to select vegetables that will produce quick-growing crops on smaller plants that can be picked while young.

Herbs, carrots, radish, shallots, small leafed lettuces, tomatoes and silver beet will all produce crops quickly, ready for harvesting. Successive plantings every couple of weeks will assist in an extended production season.

Climbing beans can be grown on a lattice or wire mesh support against a wall or fence, although they also crop well if they are grown on a tripod-styled structure. Wire or string can be placed as support for the plants’ tendrils.

If there is a preference to include cucumbers, pumpkins and zucchini plants, then dwarf varieties are available.

Theses include; “Patio Pik” cucumber, “Golden Nugget” pumpkin, “Black Jack” zucchini and “Pot Luck” cucumber. These plants produce younger fruits that can be harvested at an earlier stage.

Some older gardens, or gardens where the gardener may prefer to select some of the more unusual plants, may at present feature smaller shrubs that have blue flowers. They grow well in shady areas of the garden. Their flowers brighten up these areas that might otherwise lack colour and character. Plants may be somewhat difficult to source. Propagation of species is from cuttings.

Blue Sage, Eranthemum nervosum grows to around 1.5m and spreads to 1.5m wide. Despite its common name it is not a member of the sage family. Eranthemum likes part to full shade. It has deep green foliage that is pointed and has a matt surface. White veins are prominent on the surface. The “true blue” flowers grow on the ends of the stems.

Eranthemum plants should be pruned back after they have finished flowering in order to prevent the bush becoming straggly and untidy. Although the plants are evergreen they should be protected from heavy frosts.

Eupatorium megalophyllum has gigantic fluffy mauve flower heads appearing on purple stems, like giant ageratums. Plants have large velvety rich green leaves. They grow well under larger, deciduous trees or in areas of the garden protected by shade cloth, such as where ferns are growing. It has a lilac scent. Plants reach a height of around 2 metres. Flowers are produced on the ends of strong stems. Botanists have recently changed its name to Bartlettina sordida. It has a common name of Blue Mist Plant.

Eupatorium should be protected from heavy frosts.

A blue-flowered annual that would also be more likely to be found in older style gardens is Love-in- a Mist, Nigella damascena. This plant produces pale green feathery foliage. Light fluffy star-shaped flowers are produced above the foliage and can almost cover the foliage. The flowers have flat pointed petal. In addition to blue flowers, varieties are available that produce white, pink or purple flowers.

In addition to the attractive flowers from spring to summer, a feature of Love-in- a-Mist is the seed pods that result once the flowers have finished that look  most attractive in dried arrangements.