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in a cool, lightly shaded spot.AdamWhen it's flowered, cut back the begonia and move it indoors. The ferns can be repotted or enjoyed in the garden.More planting combinations for shadeGrowing shade-loving acer and ajuga.Grow plants for shade

. The fern can be replanted in the garden.More advice on growing shade-loving plantsGrowing shade-loving hostas.Creating a pot display of begonias and ferns.Potting up a shade-tolerant display of ferns, violets and hostas.Learn how to take begonia cuttings.

nigrescensLarge, glazed containerCrocksPebbles or gravelLoam-based compostChoose a container that suits the shape of your plant and put crocks in the base for drainage.Add a layer of pebbles or gravel to improve drainage and add weight in order to stabilise

Before the leafy tree canopy returns in late spring, the woodland floor is alive with colour. If you have a partially shaded spot, plant up a container with pretty flowering perennials such as foamflower, brunnera and bleeding heart, and recreate a

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

not to break them.Water your arrangement and ensure it never dries out. Deadhead faded cowslips to encourage new blooms.AdamThese plants are perennial and can be planted in the garden after flowering. They enjoy a shady setting where they are free to naturalise

Thrift is found growing wild on sea cliffs and mountain sides. It is a tough little plant with short, tufty foliage. In this planting combination its bright pink, long-stemmed flowers provide a focal point from late-spring to summer. The low

seedsow in February, pot on in April, plant out in Junesummeran hourIpomoea, morning glory, annual climber - seeds or several pot-ready 'Purple Haze' plants48cm urn or similar sized potWillow plant supportJohn Innes No.3 compostMulti-purpose compostPlant

pockets.Sprinkle slow-release fertiliser over the compost, to keep the display looking good for as long as possible.Place the tallest plants at the back of the pot and the shorter plants at the front. Add more compost around the plants and firm gently

Dahlias come in a fascinating variety of shapes and sizes, and the pom-pom types, with their rows of incurved petals, resemble old-fashioned bathing caps. Dahlia 'Franz Kafka' lends itself - ironically, given its name - to a relaxed cottage-garden