Walking through the garden this morning I realised that I had forgotten to mention Begonia grandis, which I spread around for the purpose last year, and is now, as Jim says, coming up to make a useful cover. B. sutherlandii does the same, and probably B. sinensis, although I've never got this one going, for some reason. Self-sown Impatiens of various species are also good, but without irrigation, however, they and the begonias don't reach maximum potential, so I grow the main plants of them in a watered area. What Begonia species do people find hardy? John Grimshaw Dr John M. Grimshaw Garden Manager, Colesbourne Gardens Sycamore Cottage Colesbourne Nr Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Website: http://www.colesbournegardens.org.uk/