If you read my newsletters regularly, you'll know I'm a fan of the slightly wild, country cottage look. In fact, in recent editions I've sung the praises of delphiniums, hollyhock and cosmos. Well, here's another to add to the list: statice.

Growing to a height of 60 to 80cm, the statice plant produces flowers in white, lavender and pink that have a delicate, almost hazy appearance. Not only does this willowy variety look great grown along borders, its flowers make a nice addition to fresh bouquets, and are popularly used in dried flower arrangements (or so I'm told).

So, if you're keen to get creative with flowers, simply pop down to your local supermarket, The Warehouse or Bunnings and pick up some statice seedlings. Or, better still, head to our online store and get them delivered direct to your door.

When deciding where to plant, look for a very dry and sunny spot. I find the side of the house is usually a winner. Dig a hole about 3cm deep and plant your first seedling. Do the same for subsequent seedlings, spacing each one around 40cm apart.

Flowering from summer until autumn, you'll soon be enjoying some wildflower wow-factor at your place.

If you are keen for a bit of dried flower arranging, cut your statice with a 30 to 40cm stem, hang it upside down in a dark room with good air circulation, and wait seven to 10 days for your flowers to dry. Kept out direct sunlight, the colours will remain vibrant for years. Or so I'm told.