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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

.SeptemberNovember - March20 minutesCineraria plants x2Cyclamen plants (miniature, a mix of red and white) x6Ivy plants x4Square containerMulti-purpose compostCrocksPosition the container in a sheltered spot and where you want some winter interest, and place a layer

This colourful display of bronze-coloured foliage, orange flowers and the red berries of the skimmia will warm up any cold or dull winter's day. You can vary the colours with other varieties of phormium, heuchera and pansy if you prefer, but all

This rich display has plum tones, which will bring comfort and warmth to a cold winter day. It's easy to plant up and will require no additional effort. For an extra splash of colour in late winter and spring, include a few snowdrop or dwarf narcissi bulbs when planting up. Sep...

.December - Januarywinteran hourSnowdrop, Galanthus elwesii 10cm pot x3Ophiopogon nigrescens x2Convolvulus cneorumPeat free, multi-purpose compost25cm terracotta potMetallic silver paintPolystyrene or crocksCover your garden table with newspaper and spray a clean pot

parsley and sorrel will sulk if the compost dries out in hot sun, so place the container in partial shade. Feed weekly with seaweed extract until early autumn, to encourage leaf production, and to keep plants sweet and succulent.Cut off the faded flower

and looks wonderful planted with woolly thyme, golden-leafed sage and low-growing rosemary.MayJune - September20 minutesSerrated-leafed lavender, Lavandula x christianaWoolly thyme, Thymus pseudolanuginosusGolden-leafed sage, e.g. Salvia officinalis

it with one or several different varieties of thyme for a good mix of colour and flavours.April - MayJune - September20 minutesDwarf lavender, such as 'Kew Red' or 'Munstead'Thyme plants x5Hanging basketCompostWater-retaining crystalsSlow-release fertiliser

Bring life to a shady corner with this mix of shade-loving favourites. There are hundreds of fabulous hostas to choose from. At the back of the planter the green fern adds strong textural contrast. If you can't live without flowers, mix in some

This rustic container filled with an orange pelargonium and a ruby red begonia is guaranteed to brighten up the gloomiest corner in your garden. Take care to keep the begonia out of the sun, or it will scorch. March - April June - September20