Colour and shape combinations become complex compositions in space, offering harmony and movement which can create a relaxing and dreamy part of the garden.

In this image we see through a hazy pattern of nodding Allium 'Purple Sensation' to the rich blue of Centaura cyanus and the muted bronze of Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' beyond. The pink dog rose and the foliage of the holly hock in the background add to the rhythm of the space.

Here the vertical lines of Calamagrostis are interrupted by the swaying, dotty, violet Verbena bonariensis and underpinned by the warm yellow umbels of achillea to create an informal meadow feel that works fantastically well in a rural setting.

These subtle clusters of soft pink bells of Nectaroscordum siculum are held aloft on single stems and sit well with grasses such as panicum or calamagrostis and contrast well with the form, habit and colour of Gladiolus byzantinus. The dark foliage of the decorative cherry Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardii' acts as a foil to the delicate pink flowers.