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to Syria and Persia, but have been grown in Britain since Roman times. Although the species doesn't offer a reliable fruit crop in the UK, it's still worth growing for its striking, lobed foliage. Shelter the fig against a warm wall.Ficus carica Fig tree

Carol Klein demonstrates how to cut back ornamental grasses in spring, with tips on different methods for dealing with evergreen and deciduous species.springMore on grassesOrnamental grasses from the RHS Chelsea Flower ShowPlant profile of feather reed grass, Calamagrostis x acut...

Find out how to combine annuals and perennials of varying heights in a 'wave' planting, in this practical video guide from Carol Klein.springMore planting advicePlant a bare-root rosePlant a shrubPlant a bare-root treePlant a fig tree

Create impact with your hanging baskets by following Rachel de Thame's comprehensive guide to planting up a traditional hanging basket, with advice on choosing and lining your container and tips on selecting and positioning your plants.springMore advice on hanging basketsSarah Ra...

Sarah Raven demonstrates how to use ornamental kale in borders, to bring colourful interest over winter, with information on the different varieties available.autumnMore advice on growing brassicasHow to plant brassicasMonty advice on planting summer cabbagesTackling cabbage whit...

Summer is the ideal time to take leaf cuttings from your houseplants. A single leaf can produce many young plants, and this technique is particularly useful for foliage plants such as Begonia rex.Healthy begonia plantClean, sharp knife and cutting

Large pot Peat-free, multi-purpose compost Put crocks in the base of the container and half fill it with compost. Arrange the osteospermums in the centre of the pot and surround them with the foliage plants. We used Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight' for its

Acers don't like to be baked by the sun so this pot is perfect for a sheltered spot. This particular Japanese maple has beautiful filigree leaves but it's just one of a fantastic range of leaf colours and shapes that are available. The colourful leaves of the low-growing bugle wi...

The handsome, silver-leaved foliage plant cineraria adds sparkle to a dull winter's day, along with cheery variegated ivy, while brightly coloured red miniature cyclamen provide a vivid contrast and a festive splash of colour

This colourful display of bronze-coloured foliage, orange flowers and the red berries of the skimmia will warm up any cold or dull winter's day. You can vary the colours with other varieties of phormium, heuchera and pansy if you prefer, but all