Echinops, hosta, monarda

very nice - we have Alliums - which look alike

Hi Paul, the Echinops ritro (Globe Thistle) is an herbaceous perennial of the Asteracae family. I love their soft blue colour and they are very hardy. Once they have produced a clump they will remain a fixture in the bed. As you can tell from this picture they don't mind being crowded either. Some think them too "weedy" for the perfect border. I love them. Check out the BBC plantfinder for the full fact sheet.

they look nice - want to buy some - would look nice in the gravel garden

agree... I have seed.