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The evergreen foliage of the skimmia, pittosporum and ivy set against a backdrop of carex, provide year-round interest in this elegant container display. Red tulips add a splash of colour in spring, while skimmia berries provide autumn and winter

fruits of the Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana add a splash of colour that will last for months. September - NovemberNovember - February20 minutes1 dogwood, Cornus 'Winter Beauty'1 fern1 skimmia, Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesianaLarge, tall pot

these plants at your local nursery and it's possible to plant the skimmias and stipas in the garden when they outgrow the display.Put safety first: be sure to buy lights that are safe for outdoor use, which usually means they'll have a transformer between

narcissi bulbs when planting up. SeptemberOctober - March30 minutesSkimmia IvyHeucheraEuonymusLarge potMulti-purpose compostCrocksPosition the container where you need winter interest, and place a layer of crocks at the bottom, then three-quarters fill

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

How to plant hyacinths in a pot.How to layer bulbs in a pot.Planting up a Christmas pot.Creating a container of fiery winter colours with dogwood, fern and skimmia.Making a Christmas wreath.Planting up a festive container with cyclamen and cineraria.

uncut, as it looks lovely when frosted. Inspiration for autumn colourCreating an autumn display of dogwoods, snowdrops and lilyturf.Adding autumn colour with skimmia, heuchera and euonymus.Planting up an autumn container with dogwood, fern and skimmia.

the compost surface with small pebbles for a decorative finish.AdamDeadhead the pansies regularly to keep the flowers going through the winter.More winter colour inspirationAdding winter colour with dogwood, fern and skimmia.Creating a winter pot display

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

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