GARDENING: grasses are wonderful plants to run your hands through

PLANTS don’t have to simply be a visual feast for the eyes. I adore plants that are tactile and engage that part of your curiosity that makes you reach out to feel what the leaves, petals or stems feel like. Grasses are wonderful plants to run your hands through, especially those with masses of fine leaves like Panicum or Molinia. The soft down-like leaves of Stipa tenuissima are a must, especially if children are around. The softness and movement is hard to beat in the garden and it’s a plant that works just as well in containers as it does in the ground. It’s the kind of grass that makes any plant look great when paired with it, you only have to see how frequently it’s utilised by designers at all the big garden shows to realise how useful it is. The obvious direction when it comes to scented plants are the culinary herbs. These don’t have to be confined to the pot by the back door. Many herbs are beautiful herbaceous plants that sit well in any border. I use oregano all the time, especially where light levels are good and the soil depth is perhaps poor. The leaves are a pungent boost when brushed against or crushed by hand. When in flower the masses of pale pink/purple flowers are stunning and usually crawling with bees both honey and bumble. As soon as the plants begin to look a little tired and in need of an overhaul, cut them back ruthlessly and they’ll soon spring back with a vibrant kick. Many herbs can be treated like from season to season. Our eldest daughter has always been fascinated by the flower shapes of sea holly (Eryngium to use their botanical name); they’re spikey characters and will always let you know they’re there if you happen to touch them; the colouring of the flowers is in some lights almost metallic and truly stunning. Like the oregano, the bees adore these flowers and a healthy established plant will produce countless flower spikes from July onwards. They make excellent cut flowers and will last for many weeks and significantly longer if dried. I was always brought up being told that flowers should be confined to the garden only, but in fact, bringing a few flower heads inside is one of life's most simple pleasures.