WISTERIA growing over a pergola or arch makes a statement, both with its  flowers and superb fragrance.

The frame needs to be substantial to withstand the weight of the branches. An interesting aspect of wisteria is the way it grows. For example, with the two main varieties, Wisteria floribunda (the Japanese variety) twines around support columns in a clockwise direction; whereas Wisteria sinensis grows in an anti-clockwise direction.

The long racemes of white, pink, blue and mauve pea-shaped flowers can be combined with other climbers such as clematis, which can use the wisteria stems to cling on to.

Even more popular among my clients is a Shakespeare-themed garden and there’s a list of plants at goldengatepark.com/all

Interestingly, many of the Shakespeare plants will also be in the biblical list. Many plants were brought to the Western world by the Crusaders in the 14th century, having never seen such an array of plants.

One advantage of plants originating from the Mediterranean region is they are ideally suited to our climate. Just two examples are Arbutus unedo, the Irish strawberry tree supposedly introduced into Ireland by St. Patrick, and Dianthus, known in Shakespeare’s time as the Gillyflower, which has been a garden favourite for at least 500 years.

Many other companies now market the product under different names and quite a range of prices for the same product. I am frequently asked: “Is it safe to use with the possibility of it being carcinogenic?”

There are concerns in many countries, particularly in the EU and Britain. Vitally concerned at the increasing use of chemical sprays and fertilisers, the  EU Commission has discontinued its 15-year approval for the weed killer’s use due to different countries not being able to agree on a common set of guidelines. Despite a temporary extension since August, approval for its use is due to expire late next year, depending on the outcome of a report by the European Chemicals Agency.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society states that, depending on further tests, there is no firm basis for discontinuing the use of glyphosate at present.