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Phormiums survive well in most conditions and there are some wonderful dwarf varieties that are perfect for growing in pots. For a cheaper, but equally colourful alternative to phormiums, you could use cordylines. By the end of summer the fragrant

will look good into the spring. SeptemberNovember - March30 minutesPansy x4PhormiumSkimmiaHeucheraIvy x2Large potMulti-purpose compostCrocksPosition the container where you need winter interest, and place a layer of crocks at the bottom, then three

with the hose.roses, dahlias, fuchsias, lavender, rosemary and many garden plantsspring, summer, autumnMore common garden pestsCapsid bugsEuonymous scalePhormium mealybugScale insects

't be simpler or cheaper to create. Just use Christmas tree branches trimmed from the base of a tree, greenery gathered from your garden and a set of lights. We used pittosporum, miscanthus, ivy seed heads and a couple of phormium leaves.DecemberWinteran hour

useful for extending the growing season of tender bedding plants and vegetables.Plant colourful Phormium 'Cream Delight' in a patio potTake care not to walk over borders or on lawnsOrder young plants from mail-order companiesAround the gardenSow sweet

A wide variety of pots have graced my patio all summer, hosting a wide and varied range of plants from agapanthus and phormium to miscanthus, eucomis, pelargoniums, and an assortment of colourful bedding - to name but a few.I love growing things

I'm always looking for plants that make an impact - things that will grab the attention and put on a good show. Seasonal bedding and bulbs are always popular, but many shrubs also grow well in patio pots.Over the years I've tried all sorts, from

and yellows.This restio has thick branched, bamboo-like stems that can grow to around 3m high and form huge clumps.Five favouritesCannamois virgataA towering specimen at 2m. The soft-green banded stems make it a perfect accent plant.Chondropetalum mucronatum

with seasonal fillers, a container can provide colour throughout the year.Containers also give you the opportunity to grow plants that wouldn't otherwise thrive in your garden. Those with chalky alkaline soils can grow acid-loving plants in ericaceous compost