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.Verbena plantsSharp knife10cm potsFree-draining compost (multi-purpose and perlite mix - see Adam's tip)Rooting hormone (liquid or powder)Clear polythene bags and rubber bandsJuly - September45 minutesTake cuttings in the morning when shoots are at their firmest

For the boldest, brightest display in a hanging basket choose a large container (no smaller than 35cm) and pack it with plants. But keeping them flowering is thirsty work, so for a really successful show the plants will need plenty of water on a

-summerKeeping other moths at bayCabbage white caterpillars on brassicas and nasturtiums.Codling moth on apples, pears, quince and walnuts.Mullein moth on verbascum, buddleja and figwort.Caterpillars on any plants.

infestations, scrape off the scales by hand and dispose of them. For heavy infestations, prune out those branches that are badly affected. Spray with a plant oil wash in winter.Spray the young scales in mid-July and early September with a systemic insecticide

The culprit is the flea beetle, which, like its namesake, jumps away when disturbed. The small, shiny, black, brown or blue beetles emerge in April and May, after winter hibernation, ready to start feeding. Eggs laid near host plants hatch in late

to feed. After 2-3 weeks, the larvae pupate inside the leaves and emerge as adults. The damage is mostly cosmetic but where many leaves are affected, the plant may be weakened or die. Different species of leaf miner fly affect specific plants.A maze

Soft-bodied, 4mm-long mealybugs are often found on greenhouse plants and house plants such as cacti and succulents, feeding on their sap. They are covered by a white, waxy secretion, and congregate in leaf axils and other inaccessible parts

take a couple of years for them to establish, your patience will be rewarded with an abundance of flowers. April - MayJuly - September20 minutes to plant the bulbsAgapanthus bulbs x2Large, square terracotta potCrocksMulti-purpose compostCover the bottom

The autumnal colours of ornamental cabbages work well with the pink flowers of sedums in this striking pot display. They are softened by the wispy grass and frothy white blooms of the aster. August - SeptemberSeptember - October20 minutes

Crocks or polystyrene for drainageJohn Innes No.3 potting compost1 x controlled-release fertiliser tabletNoma 120 red outdoor static berry lightsAdd crocks to the pot, half fill with compost and pop in a slow-release fertiliser tablet.Position the holly in the centre