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Acid-loving azaleas grow happily in pots of ericaceous compost, so you can enjoy these plants even without acid garden soil. They come in a wide range of colours, from deep red and pink to orange, yellow or pure white. Some even have a wonderful, spicy scent that will perfume you...

Thanks to their cheery flowers, which come in a wide range of colours, primulas are one of our most popular spring bedding plants. Once this display is over, plant everything out into a damp spot in the garden.September - early NovemberFebruary - April20 minutes3 drumstick primul...

This rich mix of colourful, spiky and textured foliage and luxurious, velvety flowers provides a wonderful display all spring long. Position the box within arm's reach and you won't be able to resist running your hand through the grass! September - OctoberMarch20 minutesHair gras...

The bright, cheery colours of Spanish flag (Ipomoea lobata, formerly known as Mina lobata) and Canary creeper, Tropaeolum peregrinum, combine to make a stunning summer pot display.Canary creeper is an easy-to-grow relative of nasturtium. You might have to trim its fig-like leaves...

The silver and dark-green ivory thistles provide the backdrop for this planting scheme, while the pheasant's tail grass adds soft texture. Scattered amongst the display are Sisyrinchium striatum plants, with striped leaves that are accompanied by yellow flowers in summer. The day...

Rosa 'Rhapsody in Blue', heuchera and violas give the display a purple theme. This is gracefully lifted by the white highlights and scent of R. 'Boule de Neige'.November or MarchMay - September45 minutesRosa 'Rhapsody in Blue'Rosa 'Boule de Neige'Heuchera 'Licorice' x3Salvia x su...

Shade can be a nightmare if your heart is set on growing summer bedding, fruit and veg, or Mediterranean plants, which need direct sun to flourish. But there are plenty of beautiful plants which thrive in shady conditions.Many people imagine that the only way to tackle a shady pa...

Verbena bonariensisVerbena bonariensis flowers on tall, wiry stems and can be planted with a variety of different perennials, including grasses. It has a long flowering season, making it an ideal plant for low-maintenance gardens and herbaceous

season.Rue is hardy, but if it should fail it's easily grown from seed sown outdoors in spring. Beware of its sap, though, as it can burn your skin on contact.More advice on growing herbsFollow Joe Swift's advice on growing basil from seed.Read more about

Sweet peas are the classic annual climber and look just as lovely in pots as they do in a border. 'Spencer Mix' has large flowers and long stems, good for cutting, but 'Cupani' and 'Painted Lady' are particularly good as their short stems give good coverage of the support and the...