It's those lazy hazy days of summer again, no consistent rainfall, quick showers bring new growth and plenty of weeds, holidays beckon or are fond memories, and the heat goes on!

There's no escaping it so we might as well enjoy it, after all many of the plants that have become our favourites and several newcomers to the landscape are now in full bloom. If we dared to wander out and check what's in 'de garden', we might well be surprised.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a 'stand alone' plant may not raise an eye brow, yet when used in association with other material it becomes a statement unto itself. The use of varying types of material is oft what creates the palette of interest, with the attributes of the total including flower colour and texture, leaf shape colour and texture, production of seed or fruit, longevity of flowering period, bark texture and colour and outline of plant in the 'off season'. By using as many attributes as mentioned interest can be generated throughout the year.

Plants ? or should I suggest the plant nurseries ? dictate the popularity of species by their very presence and availability. Some 'new introductions' include Gaura sp. a real beauty of a ground cover with low growing tufted foliage- similar to Gazania ? producing long ethereal heads of white or pink flowers which seem to bloom forever and a day. I noted and used this plant last year and it continues to do well, certainly worth a place in any garden, with the emphasis being to the front of the garden, especially on small patio gardens.

Red and its various hues mixes well with many colours, Hamelia patens being no exception. With a common name of mexican fire bush one can visualise the impact of this small growing shrub with its intense reddish flowers which seem to flower continuously in the warmer months. As with Gaura, I used this plant last year and to-date it continues to please and do well in an open yet protected location.

An oldie goldie which is making a comeback is Cryptostegia madagascariensis or rubber vine, a fast growing rambling shrub, which is presently in full bloom with purple funnel shaped flowers. This is best used on front viewed beds to the rear but away from the wall or hedge, as it will develop into a substantial size if allowed.

Malpighia coccigera or Singapore holly, is a small bushy shrub, attaining a height of three feet; pink flowers adorn the holly like foliage, in producing a compact plant that can be nestled into a small corner or between two larger species of a slightly taller stature. In the same family, M. punicifolia has a more upright habit but still maintains a compact habit.

For a well protected garden Sanchezia nobilis a summer loving plant when the heat brings out the best in the foliage coloration. Leaves are green with yellow veins and yellow flowers with reddish bracts give a vibrant feel to this plant when in 'full growth'; best planted adjacent to plants with dark green foliage, which highlights the leaf variegation even more.

Salvias are usually grown as annuals or shrubs, with several attractive species available for most protected locations. S. leucocephala has velvet sage green foliage and lilac blue flowers and is a good contrast plant both from its foliage and flower colour perspective.

A large shrub which is also making a comeback is Stenolobium stans; a vigorous grower producing bright yellow bell shaped flowers in summer; needs room to grow so be generous with spacing, regular pruning will create a well balanced branch structure.

Plants with strap-like foliage are a useful element in the garden adding texture and shape to the landscape. Three interesting candidates to consider for use being Dietes (Moraea) bicolor, Neomarica sp. and Belamcanda chinensis. Dietes is a clumping evergreen to a height of two feet, flowers are cream with brown blotches at the throat, a prolific flowering habit in protected areas. Neomarica is also vigorous in its habit, several species are grown with flowering ranging in colour from blue, white and blue, yellow and brown. Belamcanda chinensis with orange flowers and brownish spots creates a stunning impact when in full bloom.

Using colour with texture adds a new dimension to the garden, and for added interest include season plantings of bulbs or annuals, not only will they extend the season, but by growing as 'carpet bedding' they will assist in reducing weed growth and loss of water from bare soil surfaces.

Pruning will also increase the production of flower if carried out correctly and at the right time of year, coupled with regular fertilising schedules there is no reason why the garden should not be in a floriferous state throughout the summer and into the autumn.