These bulbs, otherwise known as ornamental onions, have increased in popularity in the last decade and quite rightly so, as they are easy to grow and provide large lollipop flowers in shades of purple, pink and white in early to mid-summer.

They come in all different sizes, although most are between 30-90cm (1-3ft) tall. I love the medium-sized A. christophii but if you want a real statement look to the giants - A. Globemaster', which bear flowerheads 20cm (8in) across and A. giganteum, which reaches 5ft or more and stand out in the crowd.

They will hold attention long after they have faded, the structural seed heads standing tall, adding to the planting scheme. If you're planting them in a border, surround them with ornamental grasses which will hide the strappy leaves, which start to die away before the flowers bloom and can look a little tatty.

To add rhythm to a planting, repeat through the border in small groups. Plant them in full sun in well-drained soil in the autumn.