Today 
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The hardy winter-flowering varieties of pansy (Viola) are the best bet for winter and spring containers as they're rarely without blooms, even when other plants are shivering in the cold. The flowers look stunning set off against the golden foliage of the thyme and ivy.
Plant it:
September - early February
At its best:
February - April
Takes just:
20 minutes
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Fill the window box with compost. Place the pansies centrally and add one thyme on either side. Line the front with trailing ivy plants, as a foil for the flowers rising above it.
"Remove the pansy flowers as they fade, which will encourage the plants to produce more blooms, instead of diverting energy into making seeds."
