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For a short but glorious time in June oriental poppies come into their own, providing flamboyant displays to enliven borders, says Carol Klein.Most gardeners yearn for a splash of glamour, and the most flamboyant of all June's flowers has

Beech leaves are among the slowest deciduous foliage to break down, making them perfect for Christmas decorations. Combine them with elegant poppy seed heads and spray with silver paint to show off their intricate structure and add sparkle to your

. Garden fork Sharp knifeLarge potsGritty compost mix made from equal parts grit or perlite and potting compostLabel and pencilDecember - January30 minutesUse a garden fork to lift the whole plant out of the ground gently, taking care not to damage its

summer.Learn about five of the most garden-worthy varieties, below.A distinctive variety with fringed petals, 'Forncett Summer' is a striking shade of coral. Height 90cm.Papaver 'Forncett Summer'One of the prettiest of all oriental poppies. The simplicity

and water well.Wait until new shoots have emerged and formed new roots, before potting up singly.More on growing poppiesCarol Klein's favourite oriental poppies Plant search results for poppies

they're about 4cm tall and again at 8cm, so that they're spaced about 15cm apart.AdamTo get the best possible display of poppies, keep plants well watered until they are established.Advice on growing flowersPlant profile of California poppyGrowing

In a large pot, mix together a rich purple osteospermum with zesty yellow and orange bidens, lantana, portulaca and California poppies for the perfect summer cocktail.springJune - August 40 minutesOsteospermum 'Malindi'Lantana camaraCalifornia poppy

Plant out tender summer-bedding plants, such as begonias, once all risk of frost has passedLook out for aphids on lupins, and spray with a soap-based insecticide if infectedPush canes into pots of tall-growing lilies and tie their stems

Clear away annual climbers, like sweet peas and morning glory, growing on obelisksPick seedheads and evergreen foliage and mix with fruit such as clementines or limes to make a fresh Christmas wreathMove tubs of shrubs or winter bedding to a

the Oasis regularlyMore Christmas decoration ideasMaking home-made Christmas decorations from poppy and teasel seed headsHow to make Christmas tree decorations from poppy heads and beech leavesMaking Christmas candlesMake a Christmas wreath video project