Jane Austen took a keen interest in the outdoor landscape and gardens play a major role in her novels. This beautiful trio of flowers were typical for a Georgian cottage garden, and are all mentioned in Austen's letters. Start by unwrapping your Growbar and place it with the brown protective paper facing upwards, into a container with plenty of space to allow it to expand. Gently pour half a litre of water into the tray and position indoors on a warm, bright sunny windowsill. The seeds will need to be a cosy 18°-22° to germinate. Water regularly and ensure the Growbar is perfectly moist, it should remain the colour of a rich dark ginger cake. After a few weeks you should have a bar neatly dotted with seedlings. These will be happy growing together in the bar for a further month in their sunny location. When the seedlings have produced 4-8 leaves you may then gently separate them, being careful to not damage the delicate roots, and plant them in individual pots or a sunny weed-free spot in the garden. Plants grown in the ground with plenty of space and sunlight will produce more abundant fragrant foliage but it is possible to grow the seedlings in large containers on the balcony or patio.

How to identify your seedlings: Cornflower seedlings have long, slightly silvery leaves. They like moist soil during spring and summer which helps prolong flowering. Dead flower heads can be removed to encourage flowering in autumn. Sweet William seedlings have smooth, oval shaped leaves. They enjoy full sun to partial shade and are fully hardy. Mignonette seedlings have pale green and long oval shaped leaves. The plants are happy in full sun and well-drained soil. Remove deadheads regularly to prolong flowering.