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Pot up an autumn planter with asters and ornamental cabbageGrowing plants for late-summer colour

The distortion, known as fasciation, is a freak of nature, and often looks like several stems have been fused together. It's a rare phenomenon and does the plant no lasting harm. It can develop on a range of shrubs, flowers and perennials. The cause

of brassicas, with nasturtiums also being attacked.Cover plants with horticultural fleece to prevent butterflies reaching the leaves. Check plants regularly and pick off any caterpillars that do make it through. Spray young caterpillars as they hatch

Brighten up your usual daffodil container display by adding a few low-growing, flowering plants. The dwarf size of celandines makes them perfect for containers and they look stunning against this blue-flowering corydalis. September - early November

There are many plants in flower in February that can be used to create an instant spring pot display. Daffodils and primulas go together beautifully, and work well with the contrasting foliage of Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' and a brightly

The sweet-smelling irises should be in flower by late-winter if the weather is mild. Before then, you can enjoy the foliage combination of the needle-like iris, the filigree ivy and the crimped fern. If you plant up this container feature in autumn

is perfect for a smart, city front door and you can easily replace the seasonal bedding plants to ring the changes for summer.Put safety first: be sure to buy lights that are safe for outdoor use, which usually means they'll have a transformer between

lightsPut a layer of crocks in the bottom of the pot, then fill it two-thirds with compost.Plant the box in the centre of the pot, surrounded by the pansies and the mattress vine. Top up with compost, firming it around the plant roots with your fingers

The handsome, silver-leaved foliage plant cineraria adds sparkle to a dull winter's day, along with cheery variegated ivy, while brightly coloured red miniature cyclamen provide a vivid contrast and a festive splash of colour

-quarters fill with compost.Plant the phormium in the centre of the container, to the same depth in the new compost as it was in its previous pot. Encircle it with the skimmia and heuchera and evenly distribute the pansies around them. Position the ivies close