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In this pot design, the graceful astelia and black ophiopogon add structure, while a small-flowered blue pansy or viola unites the blue pot and the plants.September - NovemberOctober - March30 minutesOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' x2Astelia

If you're short of sun in your garden but want an interesting summer display, try this rich blend of foliage plants. Both the plectranthus and begonias perform well in shade.April - JuneJuly - September20 minutesBegonia rex x2Purple

If deadheaded regularly, pretty bellis daisies will keep flowering for weeks, offering a colourful display through spring and into summer. The ivy in this pot recipe can be planted in the garden when the display is past its best.February - April

that would look great in any garden all year round. spring or autumnAll year round20 minutesBamboo, Fargesia rufa x3Red hook sedge, Uncinia rubraTall black planter or other modern pot Multi-purpose, peat-free compostPlant the bamboo as the centrepiece

hedge thoroughly before trimming it to ensure there are no birds nesting within. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.Conifer hedgeElectric or petrol

seed. Bedding plants benefit most from daily deadheading as it will extend the life of the plants and encourage them to continue producing more flowers through the summer.Scissors, floral snips or secateursMarch - late-August10 minutes a dayThe dying

Sarah Raven demonstrates how to use ornamental kale in borders, to bring colourful interest over winter, with information on the different varieties available.autumnMore advice on growing brassicasHow to plant brassicasMonty advice on planting summer cabbagesTackling cabbage whit...

Learn environmentally friendly methods for controlling aphids, and other garden pests with Monty's guide to organic insecticides and how they work. Monty also talks you through how to make your own, organic pesticide.summerAdvice on aphids and other

to your garden.Banana plantSharp knife or secateursStrawRoll of rush screening or chicken wireTough string or ropeNovember1 hourUse a sharp knife or secateurs to cut away any frosted or dying lower leaves. This will prevent them from rotting when the plant

If you want a spring-flowering display to go on as long as possible, plant separate layers of different varieties of bulbs in one pot. All you need to create a display which flowers in succession is a large pot and a variety of bulbs that will flower at different times.Deep potCo...