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Shade is probably one of the most challenging situations for plants to flourish in. Whether it's buildings, walls, fences, shrubs or trees, on the south side your plants bask in full sun but on the north side they'll be in cooler shade. Choosing

as required.For planting things that are going to live their life in a pot I always choose a loam-based John Innes No.3 compost. The loam gives it the guts to last, along with longer-lasting nutrients. There's no harm in mixing in some water-retaining gel

the plants from which you will breed your hellebore. Choose a mother plant - the one to be pollinated, which will eventually bear the seeds - for its vigour and a good, even flower shape. Choose a father plant - which will supply the pollen - for the colour

on caring for orchidsGrowing cactiCreating a display of hyacinthsBrowse our collection of houseplantsChoose plants by flower colour

-quarters fill with compost.Plant the phormium in the centre of the container, to the same depth in the new compost as it was in its previous pot. Encircle it with the skimmia and heuchera and evenly distribute the pansies around them. Position the ivies close

Bring life to a shady corner with this mix of shade-loving favourites. There are hundreds of fabulous hostas to choose from. At the back of the planter the green fern adds strong textural contrast. If you can't live without flowers, mix in some

Cacti and succulents are the perfect choice if you're looking for an indoor plants that almost look after themselves.Most cacti and succulents can be easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings, as explained below. For those cacti whose stems

, and how little thought I've been giving my sense of smell in my garden. Now I need everyones' help to choose scents for every season... I'll start keeping a list of the best fragrant plants for gardens. Suggestions welcome!

that can survive without regular watering in summer.Choose large pots for your plants as they won't dry out as quickly as small ones. Group pots together to make watering easier.More advice on watering and feeding plantsWatering hanging baskets

and short corollas will attract the greatest variety of bees.The quality of nectar and pollen varies between plants and is an important consideration for bee-friendly gardeners. Nectar (carbohydrate) provides bees with the energy to fly, while pollen