Today 
Tomorrow
Self-seeders are the opportunists of the plant world. They may be uninvited guests to the garden party, but often they make the difference between a monotonous gathering and an unforgettable carnival.
Nature's surprise
All but the tidiest of gardeners experience the joy of finding new plants that have sown themselves. And although we may intervene, there's no need to initiate. No soil preparation is involved, no cultivation necessary.
Self-seeders are pragmatists. Produce enough seed, chuck it about and some plants are bound to come up. Stepping in to cull or move seedlings when there are too many competing for the same resources may be necessary, but apart from that, all we need to do is wait and see.
Carol's favourite self-seeders
Alchemilla mollis
Perennial lady's mantle has furry, round leaves and produces lime-green flowers. It grows to around 45cm high.
Aquilegia vulgaris
This woodland dweller, also known as granny's bonnets, likes to grow in a shady spot. It can grow to about 90cm high.
Eryngium giganteum
Also known as Miss Willmott's ghost, this herbaceous perennial likes to bask in full sun. It reaches 1.5m high.
Meconopsis cambrica
Happy in woodland conditions, the yellow- or orange-flowered Welsh poppies are annuals that don't mind shade, making them perfect to weave under trees and taller shrubs.
Geranium pratense
A cottage garden favourite, the meadow cranesbill is a perennial that flowers in June and grows well in an open spot. Taller stems can grow to 90cm high.
Forget-me-nots
Forget-me-nots will pop up everywhere to create a frothy blue cloud, but are easy to pull out if you have too many.
Stipa tenuissima
Leave Stipa tenuissima to its own devices for abundant feathery panicles in summer.
Verbena bonariensis
Verbena sprinkles seed liberally in autumn, and produces airy stems from midsummer that won't crowd or smother other plants.
