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Chris Beardshaw demonstrates how to grow acid-loving South African proteas, with tips on positioning, growing medium, feeding and watering.springhalf an hourMore on container gardeningBrowse our collection of pot and container recipes View our collection of plants with pink flowe...

to 2cm below the rim, pushing it down firmly with your fingers as you go. Water in well and allow the basket to drain before transferring it to its bracket.AdamIf you are an organic gardener, add pelleted chicken manure. This will release nutrients

will quickly grow to hide the sides of the basket.Fill the spaces between the plants with compost, ensuring a gap of 2cm is left at the top of the basket. Firm down to get rid of air pockets, and water well.AdamUse a soil-based compost with water-retaining gel

2cm between the top of the compost and the basket's rim. Water in well and leave it to drain before hanging in position.AdamGive your plants a regular once-over for pests such as aphids, and beware of snails, which can sometimes sneak in too

of different leaves don't immediately jump out, but offer a more gentle surprise as you come across them in the garden.May - JuneJune - August45 minutesPelargonium 'Lady Plymouth' 6cm pot x1Begonia 'Illumination White' x3Helichrysum petiolare 6cm pot x4

.MayJune - September20 minutesGazania plants x3Sanvitalia plants x2Lantana plants x2Large potCrocksCompostGlovesFind a sun-soaked spot for this container and get out your gardening gloves, as lantana can irritate sensitive skin. Add crocks to the bottom of the pot

are dramatically set off when the fibrous tips are backlit by the sun.any time of yearall year round20 minutesPalm, e.g. Dasylirion acrotrichumLarge metal potCrocksFree-draining succulent or cactus compostPut a layer of crocks in the bottom of the container

minutesLarge, deep pot, at least 40cm tall and 60cm diameterCrocksLoam-based compost, such as John Innes No. 34 parrot's beaks, Lotus berthelotii4 trailing begonias1 honey bush, Melianthus major2 bananas, Musa basjooCover the bottom of the pot with crocks

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. And the button-like pink-and-white bloom...

and texture, while the delicate pelargonium flowers add a splash of colour.MayMay - September30 minutesAthyrium nipponicum pictum x2 Begonia 'Escargot'Pelargonium 'Deerwood Lavender Lass' x2Drill Old metal bucket and crocksCompostWater-retaining gel