Regions: west

A dry-hill root used to colour oil a deep red; slight above ground, tough below.

Near-indestructible succulent for a bright sill; water only when the soil is dry through.

A prickly low solanum of wasteland, with violet flowers bumblebees buzz-pollinate.

The lichen of the spice box — not planted, but a reason to keep old trees standing.

Camphor basil — a big grey-green bush that fills a terrace with scent.

Fine blue-white flowers over ferny leaves, then the black seed of the spice box.

Feathery winter foliage, then umbels that hoverflies and small wasps work all day.

A winter annual of the north-west, grown for the thyme-scented seed.

Plant a knob of market haldi in June; harvest your own in February.

The same trick as turmeric, in slightly more shade and slightly less time.