Rhododendrons and Azaleas are the mainstay at the top of the garden where the soil is very poor, selected to give interest for long periods by concentrating on foliage and habit, not just flowers. Lower down, rodgersias and hostas thrive and in the wetter areas, ferns, primulas and iris. In front of the house, the scene changes, on drier, sunny slopes, Cranesbills (Geraniums) provide foreground planting to rare shrubs, such as the silvery Leptospermum grandifolium. A large collection of lacecaps and hydrangeas are at their best later in the season, followed by the Japanese maples, giving a final burst of colour.