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Rachel de Thame explains the secrets of the soil conditions in which alpine plants thrive, with recipes for the perfect growing medium.spring or autumnMore on growing alpinesMaking an alpine path and gravel bedPlanting up alpines video project

New plants at Chelsea 2008The plant marquee is packed with new, and often awe-inspiring cultivars. Here are some of our favourites from this year's show.Jarava ichu, or Peruvian feather grass, forms mounds of bright green foliage with showy, silver

Watch Joe Swift's practical video demonstration on choosing marginal plants for a garden pond. Plant choices include Cyperus involucratus, Equisetum hyemale and arum lily.summerMore water gardening projectsGrowing marginal plants in a container

compost and keep them in a bright place to ensure they germinate.Chilli seeds e.g. 'Cayenne'Good quality seed compostSmall pots x2ClingfilmJanuary - May10 minutes to sow the seedsJuly - AugustFill two small pots with seed compost. Water the compost

Pond plantsWater enhances any garden, and there are a wide range of aquatic plants that will thrive when submerged in a pond. We spoke to expert grower Linda Smith at BBC Gardeners' World Live 2009, who recommended 10 of the best plants for garden

. By planting tulips in aquatic baskets, you can 'trick' them into performing well.Simply plant your tulip bulbs in the baskets and plunge them into your borders. As soon as flowering has come to an end, lift the baskets and leave them in a sunny spot, ensuring

Chris Beardshaw demonstrates how to remove blanket weed from a pond and offers advice on adding marginal plants and oxygenators to reduce excess nitrogen.summerMore water gardening advicePlanting marginals in a containerGrowing marginal pond plants

Create your own container display of marginal plants by following Chris Beardshaw's video advice on which compost to use and plant recommendations.summerMore advice on ponds and marginal plantsHow to maintain a healthy pond video project

impressive the display, although it's best to limit yourself to one or two well-chosen types of plant. Use too many and your pond will quickly become cluttered.1 tin bath or other large containerWaterproof sealant, 6 bricks3 medium planting baskets, 4 litres

all summer long. Support them, feed and water them regularly, remove spent flowers and watch out for signs of pests and diseases. Our five tips, below, will ensure your roses put on a show-stopping display.Deadhead roses regularly, otherwise plants