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nigra, with black stems, and P. aureosulcata f. aureocaulis. I have used them as screens, specimens in pots and in innumerable planting schemes. However, they are mere minnows compared to some of the Asian varieties that grow to 20m high with stems (or

plants will attract a wide range of pollinating insects.Pinch out the growing tips of the plants to encourage bushy growth, then hang the finished basket in a sunny, sheltered site where you can enjoy its scent.May - JuneJune - September20 minutes

be tied in ready to flower next season. Rambling roseSecateursLong-handled loppers early July - early August 1 hour per rose (approximately)JuneCut back the flowered stems of rambling rose right down to the base of the plant. Alternatively prune back

, on the other side of me, has a veritable riot of sweet peas rambling all over a bamboo cane plant support. My plot might be lush and colourful with runner bean blooms and courgette flowers, but it does lack that splash of summery colour. Besides which, a few

:FOR THE FILLING:10-15 plums, halved1 tablespoon of water1 tablespoon of sugarCinnamonMixed spice1 thumb-length of fresh gingerPreheat oven to 180°C . Cook the plums over a low heat with the water and sugar. When almost cooked, turn off the heat, allow to cool a

your garden grow, or go on holiday, safe in the knowledge that your plants won't go thirsty.Watering kit (this one is 2 PotKit, available from AutoPot)summer30 minutesSet out the watering kit, attaching the pipe to the tank and valve. If you raise

, and robust enough to plant outside. Cobaea produces lots of spiralling tendrils for support, and these do a good job themselves, although I sometimes lend a hand to point shoots in the direction I'd like.Flowers were a while coming, but by August a succession

Everyone is looking for plants that offer great garden performance, and I think I've hit the jackpot with astrantia. I must have planted Astrantia major 'Roma' at the bottom of my lawn about eight years ago, and to be honest haven't given it any

of the garden under piles of sticks and vegetation. They are unlikely to do any damage to healthy plants, but have clearly made a home in the soft centre of this plum tree. It's often said that plants flower well under some stress, and despite the obvious signs

served on leaves.It is a whopper of a plant reaching about 20m high (about 70 feet for those of you who think imperially) and is probably an unwise choice for a small wall.There are others which are equally spectacular. I particularly like P. henryana