This rampant climber clings to walls, fences and trees with small suckers on the stems. It also forms a solid mat over the ground. The trailing ivy is the juvenile form. The 'shrub' ivy is the adult form which, if allowed to mature will produce huge quantities of black berries.

This evergreen vine from China has dark, glossy foliage and small, starry, white, spicy, nutmeg-scented flowers in summer. It is slowgrowing initially but later becomes vigorous. Variegated leaf forms are also available.

An evergreen groundcover or twining climber with small glossy dark green leaves. During summer this hardy plant bears a profusion of highly scented cream flowers. Once established it is tolerant of dry conditions and is frost hardy. It makes a very effective groundcover and will grow around and under the shade of large trees.

This is a popular and generally hardy garden plant. The pea shape flowers appear in winter and spring and are usually violet in colour but pink and white forms are available. It is adaptable to most soils and aspects though sunnier positions produce better flowering. Ask at your local Garden Centre for the best varieties for your garden.