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.They perform best in a sunny, outdoor position, in a well-drained compost, such as John Innes No.1 or No.2, with 25% sharp horticultural grit for added drainage. A layer of grit should be added to the surface of the compost to further aid drainage

Learn how to give frost-tender plants the best chance of surviving the winter, by following Rachel de Thame's video advice, with tips on watering and where to store plants.October-NovemberMore on protecting plants over winterHow to protect tender plants for the winterHow to prote...

Create impact with your hanging baskets by following Rachel de Thame's comprehensive guide to planting up a traditional hanging basket, with advice on choosing and lining your container and tips on selecting and positioning your plants.springMore advice on hanging basketsSarah Ra...

Sarah Raven demonstrates how to use ornamental kale in borders, to bring colourful interest over winter, with information on the different varieties available.autumnMore advice on growing brassicasHow to plant brassicasMonty advice on planting summer cabbagesTackling cabbage whit...

Lavender and thyme herbs emit a delicate fragrance. Position this hanging basket near the patio or a window so you can catch its scent on the wind. Choose a dwarf lavender, such as the compact 'Bella Series', as the centrepiece and surround

, spicy scent that will perfume your patio on a warm day. October - November or February - MarchMarch - May30 minutes to plant up the containerAzalea plantCampanula plants x3 25cm diameter potCrocksEricaceous compost suitable for acid-loving plantsPut a

leaves of the low-growing bugle will soon hide the compost, and in spring and early summer, dark blue flowers will add to the scheme. all year roundApril - August20 minutesJapanese maple, Acer palmatum dissectum x1Bugle, Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' x4Tall

February - April20 minutes3 drumstick primulas, Primula denticulata3 hybrid primrosesA wide, shallow bowlMulti-purpose compostCrocksPut a layer of crocks in the bottom of the bowl, then half-fill it with compost.Knock the plants out of their pots and arrange them

you can use iris bulbs; if you wait until spring, simply buy pots of iris. October - November or January - FebruaryFebruary30 minutesIris 'Pauline' bulbs x12 or iris plants x3Hart's tongue fern, e.g. Asplenium scolopendrium 'Angustifolia' x3Bird's foot

Take your house plants plants outside this summer and use them to create dramatic patio containers. Here, we've teamed purple heart with silvery helichrysum and the trailing silver-grey foliage with the bright-orange flowers of parrot's beak