April is the month for the Agricultural Show, which as usual, provided us with a bounty of flowering material; we can now look forward to being intoxicated by the blooms of May.

Last month we started discussing the usefulness of the various ground covers, which are usually planted between and under taller growing shrubs. Riots of colour can be created with a little planning and understanding of each potential candidate. Shrubs take over from the ground cover in attaining heights from three feet to fifteen feet plus, and of course make just as bold, if not bolder statements. Most of our flowering shrubs do so predominantly in the spring and summer months.

The time frame for flowering should be noted, as this will assist designing a garden with overlapping flowering times. Selection is so important, as the location of any garden needs to be analysed to offer the desired effect.

Though not a shrub in the normal sense of the word, Hedychium sp. is a member of the ginger family, having long green leaves arising from the base of the plant and shell pink flowers that tend to droop in a majestic manner. As it grows it forms a clump creating a major statement in any protected bed. A variegated leaf form is also available.

Thunbergia erecta or Kings Mantle is a seldom grown subject that has flattened blue trumpet shaped flowers; the stems tend to be a dark hue and leaves of a similar texture. It attains a height of approximately six feet, and prefers sunny protected areas.

The Angels trumpet or Datura sp. is one of the most attractive plants in the white flowering form, it is also found in purple and pink shades. The large pure white bell shaped flowers are magnificent when planted against a dark background of foliage. The foliage being of a softish nature is popular with caterpillars as a quick snack, but can be controlled with various sprays.

Often looked upon as an unusual plant the Euphorbia lactea or Candelabra Cactus, is architecturally interesting. It has square like stems covered along the edges with small spines, and lesions of lighter green running throughout the young growth. It is relatively hardy and makes a bold statement an excellent subject in any foundation planting.

Yellow is an attractive and easy colour to mix, especially in the summer. Cloth of gold or Thryallis glauca produces small light yellow clusters of flowers throughout the summer. Borne on light flimsy branches bearing small light green foliage, they are attractive when planted in groups of three to five.

An excellent foil for Thryallis is Rondeletia odorata , an upright sturdy shrub with rigid foliage and orange coloured blossoms which are produced on the tips of the branches. Because of their upright habit, they are best planted at two foot centers in groups of three to five.

To cover a wall or large open area one should consider the Pigeon Berry (Duanta repans ) that is fairly prolific in protected areas. The lilac flowers are followed by sandy coloured seeds which droop from the branches; as the season progresses, both seed and flower are found together, truly a bonus at the height of the season.

The Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis ) is an upright subject which can blossom continuously on the new growth, and as the plant matures, suckers develop from the roots are 'creep' to create a thick cluster planting. Makes an excellent hedge or curtain to hide a blank wall.

Guavas come in several forms, and the Pineapple Guava or Feijoa sellowiana is one of the more decorative for a place in the garden. Flowers appear in April and are white with a purple tinge, which are also edible, the fruit is a cross taste between a pineapple and a strawberry. It attains a height of approximately twelve feet, and is best planted as a solitary specimen.

An unusual flowering plant, the Chinese hat plant or Holmskiolda sanguinea, has by its very name described the shape of the flowers, which are produced in abundance along the branches. Of a brick red and orange colour, it spreading habit attains heights up to eighteen feet; it prefers sun and protection to be of its best.

Lucky Nut (Thevetia neriifolia and T. peruviana) is a fast growing summer plant; the former bears yellow blossoms and the latter orange, it is also a smaller grower, though both are vigorous by nature. Care should be taken when in full growth as the stems exude a white sticky substance that marks clothing and can be an irritant to the skin. Best planted at the rear of the bed, as it is a tall grower; both forms need protection from wind.

Many properties have part of the garden that are perhaps out of the way or a little 'wild' looking and tend to be neglected; two candidates for such spots are Ardisia polycephala or Jet berry and Dodonea viscose or Dog wood. The former produces has attractive young foliage with the appearance of 'autumn colour', followed by white flowers which turn into red then black seed, very striking when planted in groups. The dogwood naturalises easily in poor soil areas, producing paper-thin yellow green foliage and reddish bronze seed heads.

It is important to remember that whenever you are planting, to water the plant container and plant mix prior to planting. Continue watering until heavy rains or plants are 'standing' on their own, it is so easy to lose plants at this stage, that extra effort is well worth it in the long term.