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splits open. Crumpled, papery petals tumble out and within hours, the bud cases are abandoned. The flower stems are strong and tall, each supporting a single magnificent bloom.Oriental poppies love the sun and although they will tolerate most conditions

Follow Monty Don's video advice on pruning shrub roses, including techniques that will keep fungal infection and viruses at bay, while encouraging flowering stems.springMore advice on growing rosesPlanting a rosePlanting a rambling rose against a

California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are hardy annuals that bring a vivid splash of colour to summer borders. After their long flowering period the plants will also readily self-seed.California poppy seeds eg 'Golden Values'Bamboo cane

Easy and rewarding to raise from seed, with impressive, long-lasting flowers, the sunflower is an ideal plant for growing with children. Sunflowers look equally magnificent in borders or as cut flowers.Sunflower seeds e.g. 'Russian Giant

In a large pot, mix together a rich purple osteospermum with zesty yellow and orange bidens, lantana, portulaca and California poppies for the perfect summer cocktail.springJune - August 40 minutesOsteospermum 'Malindi'Lantana camaraCalifornia poppy

Take your house plants plants outside this summer and use them to create dramatic patio containers. Here, we've teamed purple heart with silvery helichrysum and the trailing silver-grey foliage with the bright-orange flowers of parrot's beak

have to trim its fig-like leaves to let the Spanish flag flowers truly shine. Set off these two annual climbers to perfection by planting delicate but colourful bedding plants around the base of the display. Don't be tempted to plant out tender young

, these summery, golden flowers burst through a soft, shimmering helichrysum and the multi-tonal shrub, Lantana camara.March - April June - August40 minutesHelichrysum petiolare 'Limelight'Osteospermum 'Orange Symphony' or O. 'Lemon Symphony' x2Lantana camara

Stand out from the summer crowd with this luxurious, rich and velvety container display. Pack a wide terracotta bowl with deep red Regal pelargoniums and earthy pink and orange flowers to stunning effect. Keep deadheading the flowers

Rachel de Thame explains how to create space in summer borders by lifting tulip bulbs that have finished flowering, and offers tips on storing them over summer, before replanting in autumn.early summerMore on growing tulipsPlant up a pot of tulips