Search - Articles

This simple container feature uses only three three plants to dramatic effect. The feathery leaves of the soft shield fern arch gracefully over the edges of the pot, making a perfect foil to the silvery leaves of the Japanese painted fern

This combination of begonia, pelargonium and fern plants will brighten up a shady area. Although unlikely bedfellows, they all enjoy a lightly shaded spot and make an impressive display. The begonia and fern plants will provide interesting shape

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

of the thyme and ivy. September - early FebruaryFebruary - April20 minutesPansy plants x2Thymus pulegioides 'Archer's Gold' x2Ivy plants x3Medium-sized window boxFill the window box with compost. Place the pansies centrally and add one thyme on either side

mixed with water-retaining gel.Plant the cowslips first, spacing them evenly along the length of the trough and positioning towards the back.Add the anemones, placing them in the the gaps between the cowslips. Anemones are delicate so take care

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

-and-half blend of John Innes No.3 and multi-purpose compost, to ensure a balanced potting mix.Make a hole in the centre of the compost, remove climbers from their pots and plant 15cm apart. Firm the compost around the climbers, making sure there are no air

with the evergreen foliage of libertia.all year roundApril - August20 minutesCrocosmia 'Irish Dawn' x2Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' x1Libertia ixioides 'Goldfinger' x1Celosia caracas x3Terracotta pot, 45cm diameterMulti-purpose compostSlow-release fertiliserPlace a

-garden style, floating like balloons above the feathery foliage of Cosmos 'Sensation' and its delicate, pink petals. Use a large container for this display, as this combination of plants reaches 1m in height. Prevent the planting scheme from looking too top