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Sown now in the greenhouse, dahlia seeds will produce young plants ready to plant outdoors in late May to flower this year. Seed companies sell a range of quick-growing bedding strains that are suitable for growing this way. You can also use

Watch Monty Don as he creates a scented garden using a variety of lavender plants, with suggestions for encouraging bushy growth.summerMore advice on growing herbsMedicinal herbs by Jekka McVicarPicking herbsRaising new mint plantsPlanting herbs in a window box video projectBrows...

Learn how to care for peonies with Chris Beardshaw's video guide, including advice on how to spot and deal with peony wilt and nutrient deficiency.summerMore advice on growing flowersDealing with peony wiltGrowing lupins video projectPlanting out

Carol Klein offers a practical guide to spotting and treating peony wilt, with tips on cleaning secateurs to avoid reinfection.summerMore advice on growing flowersCaring for peoniesGrowing lupinsPlanting out cerinthesGrowing dahlias from seed

Watch Carol Klein's video guide to planting snowdrops 'in the green'. Carol also explains how to boost flowering of existing clumps by lifting and dividing.early springMore on growing snowdropsPractical project on lifting and dividing snowdrops

.SeptemberNovember - March20 minutesCineraria plants x2Cyclamen plants (miniature, a mix of red and white) x6Ivy plants x4Square containerMulti-purpose compostCrocksPosition the container in a sheltered spot and where you want some winter interest, and place a layer

This rich display has plum tones, which will bring comfort and warmth to a cold winter day. It's easy to plant up and will require no additional effort. For an extra splash of colour in late winter and spring, include a few snowdrop or dwarf narcissi bulbs when planting up. Sep...

This striking combination of snowdrops, black ophiopogon and silvery convolvulus is just the thing for brightening up a terrace or doorstep. A terracotta pot, sprayed with metallic paint, will set off the contemporary planting scheme to perfection.December - Januarywinteran hourS...

a froth of pretty white flowers.Top up the pot with compost, firming it around the plant roots with your fingers.AdamSlugs and snails love hostas so be sure to protect the plants or you'll be left with leaves that look like doilies.More inspiration

The cup and saucer vine, Cobaea scandens, grows 3m or more in a single summer. It is wonderfully dynamic, with winged buds and flowers that are cream when they first open, turning to dusky purple bells as they mature. The curling, tongue