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library, so I can have some instant results from flowering perennials and return them to be used by someone else next year? Perhaps I'll buy some gnomes.What's your view on bedding? Do you replace your displays every year, or use a mixture of annual

. Plants are also able to overwinter.Small short-lived annual plants which spread rapidly by means of small seeds dispersed from spring-like seedpods. Remove young plants before they get a chance to flower and set seed. Pull them out individually by hand

Stand out from the summer crowd with this luxurious, rich and velvety container display. Pack a wide terracotta bowl with deep red Regal pelargoniums and earthy pink and orange flowers to stunning effect. Keep deadheading the flowers

Pineapple weed, Matricaria matricarioides, relishes the challenge of rooting into a well-trodden path or other seemingly unhospitable soils. When walked on the plant's leaves release a pleasant pineapple-like scent, but a single plant will flower

after the wildlife in their garden and boost the balance between beneficial insects and pests.Mow lawns regularlyTreat problem weedsTidy up hedgesAround the gardenTie in young delphinium growth to plant supportsSow hardy annual flowers directly into beds

Forcing narcissiEnjoy an early scent of spring by forcing narcissi. The bulbs are in the shops from late-August and if planted immediately you can have them in flower by Christmas.Remove suckers from roses, shrubs and treesTrim box hedging

Grow hippeastrumThe huge trumpet flowers of hippeastrum, often called amaryllis, are sure to brighten up the dark days of winter. You might get one as a Christmas gift, but it's also worth treating yourself to one (or more!) of the massive bulbs

Will our love affair with Verbena bonariensis ever wane? This fabulous flower looks as good growing individually among low border plants as it does planted en masse. The open, airy quality of the stems only adds to the appeal. Wildlife loves V

Why do people turn their noses up at edible flowers? What could be more delicious than beautiful chive heads tossed into a salad? They add quite an intense burst of onion flavour when eaten - probably more powerful than chopped chive leaves

to suppress seedlings.Apply a contact weedkiller when the plants are young and before they get a chance to flower. freshly-cultivated ground in borders, established flowerbeds, pots, vegetable plotsspring, summer, autumnMore advice on removing weeds