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Why is it that you rarely see zinnias in summer bedding displays? Do they give the impression of being an old-fashioned flower? Well, I think they're in for a revival, and with some stunning new varieties coming onto the market I'm recommending them

724Church Lane, Gawsworth, Macclesfield, Cheshire01260 223 456www.gawsworthhall.comSK11 9RNOpen 5 May-22 Sep, Sun only, plus daily 1 Jul-31 Aug, 2-5pm. Adults/OAPs £7.50, under-17s £3.50. Card valid for the whole property, but not valid on bank hols or for special events.parking,...

934Canongate, St Andrews, Fife 01334 476 452www.st-andrews-botanic.orgKY16 8RTOpen all year, daily: 1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-7pm; 1 Oct-31 Mar 10am-4pm. Adults £2, OAPs/children (5-15) £1. Single discount with card: 50%. Card not valid for special events – phone or see website for detai...

Cosmos was one of the first bedding plants I ever grew from seed, and still remains a favourite. It provides height to displays with an airiness few other plants can match. Tall stems carry fine, feathery foliage, each topped with simple, brightly

7644 Earlham Road, Norwich, Norfolk07504 545 810www.plantationgarden.co.ukNR2 3DBOpen all year, daily, 9am-dusk. Adults/OAPs £2, under-16s free.part-disabled,plants,toilets,public-transport

Monty Don demonstrates how to plant up and age a stone container to create a formal garden display.springPlanting suggestions for a formal containerDark foliage display with scabiousClassic pelargonium and nemesia containerFormal dressing

For a successful summer bedding display, don't bring your plants out of the greenhouse until you know the frosty nights are behind you. And when you do bring them out acclimatise them in the garden before you plant them into their final positions

or early June, late frosts should have passed and outdoor conditions will be warm enough to plant your bedding into their final position outside for a bright summer display.AdamSow in small pots which are more convenient than seed trays to grow a wide range

For the boldest, brightest display in a hanging basket choose a large container (no smaller than 35cm) and pack it with plants. But keeping them flowering is thirsty work, so for a really successful show the plants will need plenty of water on a

Osteospermum 'Tresco Purple' and rosy Diascia 'Red Ace' although any crimson or maroon trailing bedding plant would work well.1 Ipomoea 'Sweet Caroline'3 Calibrachoa 'Million Bells Cherry'1 Osteospermum 'Tresco Purple'6 Diascia 'Red Ace'36cm metalware basket