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Box always looks smart in a container but it's not the only shrub that can be clipped into shape. Myrtle is an excellent evergreen alternative. Faintly aromatic and with lovely white flowers in spring, it looks stunning from June to August, softened by a sea of blue campanula flo...

Sempervivum and jovibarbaSempervivums, or houseleeks, are hardy, succulent, alpine plants that grow in the wild between rocks in mountainous regions. We picked out ten of the best varieties at BBC Gardeners' World Live 2009.Sempervivum means 'always alive' - a reference to the fa...

Make a bee-lineGreat flowers start with pollination, and for that you need bees. Find out how to get the busiest garden insects to work for you.How to... make a bee hotelGardens are extremely important for bumblebees, and vice versa. Bees need flowers for sustenance, and flowers ...

Create impact with your hanging baskets by following Rachel de Thame's comprehensive guide to planting up a traditional hanging basket, with advice on choosing and lining your container and tips on selecting and positioning your plants.springMore advice on hanging basketsSarah Ra...

Sarah Raven demonstrates how to use ornamental kale in borders, to bring colourful interest over winter, with information on the different varieties available.autumnMore advice on growing brassicasHow to plant brassicasMonty advice on planting summer cabbagesTackling cabbage whit...

Brighten up your usual daffodil container display by adding a few low-growing, flowering plants. The dwarf size of celandines makes them perfect for containers and they look stunning against this blue-flowering corydalis. September - early NovemberFebruary - April20 minutesDaffod...

There are many plants in flower in February that can be used to create an instant spring pot display. Daffodils and primulas go together beautifully, and work well with the contrasting foliage of Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' and a brightly coloured pot. If you buy the plan...

The sweet-smelling irises should be in flower by late-winter if the weather is mild. Before then, you can enjoy the foliage combination of the needle-like iris, the filigree ivy and the crimped fern. If you plant up this container feature in autumn you can use iris bulbs; if you ...

The perfect symmetry of these two formal Christmas planters makes a rather grand frame for your front door. The box cones and lead planters might be a little costly, but you'll have them for life once you've made the initial investment. The display is perfect for a smart, city fr...

Traditional door decorations are beautiful at Christmas time, although it's sometimes tricky to illuminate them. No more - with battery operated lights, you can add sparkle without trailing wires or a power source. This decoration couldn't be simpler or cheaper to create. Just us...