Catmint

A plant that I've been loving lately is catmint (Nepeta).  It has a strong sage smell that is intoxicating to cats, hence the name.  Ultimately, it has long lasting stunning purple blooms and a loose habit.  It's beautiful paired with most colours, but I particularly like it with the bright yellow of yarrow and the silver foliage of artemesia.  The texture works well with grasses and shrub roses for a casual english cottage garden charm.  I would recommend the cultivar 'Six Hills Giant', it is a taller more dramatic variety.  Grow this plant in full sun or partial shade.