One of the best known tropical flowers in the world, Strelizia, (otherwise known as Bird of Paradise & the Crane Flower because of its resemblance to a birds head), is originally native to South Africa where it grows wild. Strelizia is pollinated by sun birds. There is a hard, beak shaped sheath form which the flower emerges called the 'spathe' - it is placed at right angles to the stem

Sunflowers, (real name Helianthus), are a genus of the Asteraceae family and are native to North America. Sunflowers are cultivated in Europe these days for the cut flower market, food and the production of oil.

Stocks, (real name Matthiola), is a sweetly scented flowering plant and were named after Pietro Andrea Matthioli - a doctor and naturalist born in Siena.

Sandersonia, (otherwise known as Christmas Bells and Golden Lily), is a climbing plant that flowers in shades of orange. Sandersonia is prized for its ornamental lantern like flowers and long vase life as a cut flower.

Saponaria, (otherwise known as Soapwort), is a genus of the Caryophyllaceae family and is native to southwest Asia and southern Europe.

Scabious, (real name ‘Scabiosa’ and commonly known as ‘Pincushion Flower’), is a genus of the Dipsacaceae family and native to Asia and Europe.

Scilla is a member of the hyacinths family and is native to Asia and Europe. Scilla is grown from bulb and is commonly found in woodlands, meadows and near the seashore.

Solidago, (commonly called Golden Rod), is a genus of the Asteraceae family and is native to North America.

Syringa, (Lilac), is a genus of the olive family Oleaceae and is native to east Asia and south east Europe.

Sedums, (commonly known as Ice Plants and Stonecrops), are a genus of the Crassulaceae family and are native to the Northern Hemisphere.

Symphoricarpos, (commonly known as Snowberry and Waxberry), is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae and are native to North and Central America.

Steelgrass, (real name Xanthorrhoea), is the grass from a flowering plant native to Australia and is a member of the Zanthorrhoeaceae family.

Salal Tips, (real name Gaultheria Shallon), is a shrub native to western North America and is a member of the heather family. Salal leaves are tough and leathery, of a rounded shape and the stems are strong and woody.

Skimmia is a genus of the Rutaceae family and is native to Asia. Skimmia leaves are positioned at the end of the shoots and the small flowers are clustered. The flowers are between 6-15mm in diameter, (depending on the variety), and have between 4-7 petals on each. Skimmia has a very pungent small when crushed.