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Save money by collecting and storing seed of your favourite hardy annuals, to sow next year. Saving seed from pot marigold, Calendula officinalis, couldn't be easier. Ensure you allow the seedheads to fully develop on the plant before collecting them (they will turn brown and pap...

Easy and rewarding to raise from seed, with impressive, long-lasting flowers, the sunflower is an ideal plant for growing with children. Sunflowers look equally magnificent in borders or as cut flowers.Sunflower seeds e.g. 'Russian Giant'Multi-purpose compost7.5cm plastic potsPla...

In this easy-to-make display, we've combined aloe with a contemporary planter to produce a simple but striking result. Aloe is a succulent plant which, although frost tender, will survive in a sheltered spot in summer. May - AugustMay - October30 minutesAloe variegata x4Decorativ...

The bright, cheery colours of Spanish flag (Ipomoea lobata, formerly known as Mina lobata) and Canary creeper, Tropaeolum peregrinum, combine to make a stunning summer pot display.Canary creeper is an easy-to-grow relative of nasturtium. You might have to trim its fig-like leaves...

Follow Chris Beardshaw's step-by-step video advice on lifting and preparing dahlia tubers, for overwintering in a frost-free environment.autumnMore advice on growing dahliasVideo advice on planting dahlia tubersMore tips on lifting and storing dahliasHow to take dahlia cuttingsHo...

Sarah Raven demonstrates how to plant up dahlia tubers in trays indoors, to ensure a greater number of cuttings in summer.springMore advice on growing dahliasLift and store dahliasGrowing dahlias from seedTie in dahliasTaking dahlia cuttings video projectBrowse a variety of dahli...

Sarah Raven shows how to take cuttings from dahlia plants in her step-by-step video guide. She also gives a demonstration on how to make a simple propagation tent from a plastic bag, stakes and an elastic band.spring and summerMore advice on growing dahliasLift and store dahliasG...

Rachel de Thame explains how to create space in summer borders by lifting tulip bulbs that have finished flowering, and offers tips on storing them over summer, before replanting in autumn.early summerMore on growing tulipsPlant up a pot of tulips, daffodils and crocusCreate a sp...

in a variety of situations. Spiky cactus and semi-cactus varieties make good companions for single daisy flowers such as rudbeckias, echinaceas and gaillardias, especially if you choose golden yellow, burnt orange and rich red dahlias. For a contrast

Thanks to our warmer climate, most of us can now enjoy traditionally tropical plants in our summer gardens. Canna 'Tropicanna' is surprisingly tough for such a lush-looking plant, and can survive outdoors all year round (with a little protection during winter). Boosting the exoti...