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season.Rue is hardy, but if it should fail it's easily grown from seed sown outdoors in spring. Beware of its sap, though, as it can burn your skin on contact.More advice on growing herbsFollow Joe Swift's advice on growing basil from seed.Read more about

Foliage plays a central role in this window box, which means it looks good even before the citrus-coloured tulips and primroses burst into bloom in spring, adding a zesty splash of colour to your window ledge. September - OctoberFebruary - March20 minutesTulip bulbs x4Primrose p...

and miscanthus.Planting partnersGrow smaller varieties in patio pots and plant medium and tall varieties among herbaceous perennials in mixed borders. Improve the soil before planting, with home-made compost or well-rotted manure. Grow them in full sun

Sweet peas are the classic annual climber and look just as lovely in pots as they do in a border. 'Spencer Mix' has large flowers and long stems, good for cutting, but 'Cupani' and 'Painted Lady' are particularly good as their short stems give good coverage of the support and the...

Late-summer nectarAs some insects are still out foraging in late-summer, it's a good idea to provide food for them with nectar-rich, late-flowering plants.Plants for beesIn late-summer, many plants have finished flowering, but bees, butterflies and hoverflies are still on the win...

Any plant that's planted out in a bed, border or pot for a seasonal display, usually during spring and summer. The plants are then removed, making way for next season's display. Spring bedding is composed of spring-flowering bulbs, hardy perennials

lots of organic matterPrune lavender to maintain its shape, and take lavender cuttings by pulling off sideshoots and inserting them in trays of gritty compostCollect seed from border perennials and store in a sealed container in a cool place

and containersPlant wallflowers, pansies, forget-me-nots and other spring beddingLift and divide congested clumps of perennialsLift gladioli and store their corms after the flowers have fadedSow hardy annuals outside for early flowers next summerBuy spring

Choosing secateursImproving your lawnCutting a clean lawn edgeView a selection of vegetable plants Browse a variety of hardy perennials

Chris Beardshaw demonstrates how to lift and divide congested clumps of autumn-flowering Nerine bowdenii, and suggests growing Nerine sarniensis in a pot. springhalf an hourMore advice on growing flowersBrowse a selection of tender perennial plants