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don't waste energy travelling to them.autumnall year round20 minutesPittosporum tenuifolium x1Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana x1 Ivy Hedera helix 'Glacier' x1Carex buchananii x1Tulipa 'Red riding Hood' x 10Square planter, roughly 45cm Round cup bird

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

or door for a limited period, while still allowing it to close. Don't plug into outdoor sockets if the transformer will be exposed.DecemberWinteran hour1 x holly, Ilex aquifolium3 x Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails'3 x Skimmia japonica30cm terracotta pot

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

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

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.

The autumnal colours of ornamental cabbages work well with the pink flowers of sedums in this striking pot display. They are softened by the wispy grass and frothy white blooms of the aster. August - SeptemberSeptember - October20 minutes

In this pot design, the graceful astelia and black ophiopogon add structure, while a small-flowered blue pansy or viola unites the blue pot and the plants.September - NovemberOctober - March30 minutesOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' x2Astelia

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