Very rarely seen in British gardens, Aquilegia viridiflora 'Chocolate Soldier' makes an eye-catching display. This hardy perennial, often more commonly known as Columbine or Granny’s Bonnet, produces masses of elegant, nodding, deep brown blooms from late spring to mid-summer. Growing with a neat, compact habit, they make a wonderful addition to border displays, perfect for cottage garden planting schemes. Sow February to June or September to October. Sow on the surface of a good free draining, damp, seed compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite. Seal container inside a polythene bag and place at 15-20C (59-68F). Germination can take 1-3 months. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7. 5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart. Overwinter September sowings in a cold frame and plant out the following s