Sow some jolly hollyhocks

Ruth loves these stately cottage garden stalwarts

- Ruth Hayes

HOLLYHOCKS are known as ‘the backbone of the garden’ for a reason. Usually standing at least 3ft (240cm) tall, they tower over other summer flowers adding height and colourful definition.

This week’s free seeds are for a variety called ‘Giant Single Mixed’, and the resulting plants will produce a spine of single-petalled open blooms in a variety of colours on tall, robust stems.