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in the months ahead.As always, the problem is predicting what weather our summer will bring. Dry, wet, warm, scorching, dull - who knows? So by growing a range of patio plants that relish different conditions I'm hoping at least some of them will thrive.

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

I can't be the only one looking for foolproof plants to brighten the patio during summer, but it's always nice to try something a little different too.Traditional summer bedding has its place, but it does demand regular attention.Daily watering

similar to grey mould, but I haven't been able to verify this.Most of mine will be planted in large patio pots, but I'll keep the pots in a sheltered position once planted to avoid the compost in pots getting too cold or waterlogged. Sheltered

unwanted boxes.If you need more space, hang two or three boxes together.Advice on propagating plantsCarol Klein's video guide to taking basal cuttingsMaking a cloche for seedsSowing seeds indoorsTaking summer cuttingsView a variety of conservatory climbers

Agapanthus make fantastic patio plants and look particularly good grown in terracotta pots. Given a sunny spot and free-draining compost, they'll produce spectacular flowers in June, July or August, depending on the variety.Although agapanthus

Paving and gravel paths can quickly become colonised by garden weeds. Follow our tips on keeping your paths pristine and weed free, below. While some plants, such as thyme and alpines, look delightful growing in the gaps between patio slabs or path

As temperatures rise and summer sets in, give your container plants a little time and care. Water, feed and deadhead them regularly over the next few weeks and you can keep plants flowering and looking good right into autumn.Container plants

Arisaema speciosum is an unusual perennial from the eastern Himalayas. It grows from fat, knobbly tubers, which are best planted singly in large pots for stability.You will probably find a shoot already emerging from one end of the rhizome, so plant

Strawberry plants will be in growth to flower and fruit four to six weeks ahead of outdoor plants if potted up now and brought into a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Keep them well lit, ventilated and watered to prevent the plants becoming leggy