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shape. Although it is an old variety (1906) its beauty hasn't been eclipsed. Height 1m.Papaver 'Mrs Perry'This slightly washed-out poppy bears the name of the 20th-century artist, who scoured East Anglia in the late 1930s, looking for pale versions

.The flower stems are strong and tall, up to 1.2m (4ft), and each supports a single magnificent bloom, blood red and boldly imprinted at the base of each petal with a jet-black splodge. The stamens, arranged in a broad circle around the dark, central knob

've formed a good root system.Established oriental poppySharp knifeMulti-cell traySeed compostHorticultural gritSeptember - March20 minutes to take the cuttingsLift a clump of the oriental poppy that you want to take cuttings from or just scrape away the soil

Beech leaves are among the slowest deciduous foliage to break down, making them perfect for Christmas decorations. Combine them with elegant poppy seed heads and spray with silver paint to show off their intricate structure and add sparkle to your

of seed and scatter thinly along the drill or you will waste seed and spend more time thinning out.Use a trowel or your fingers to cover seeds with 0.5cm of soil. Label the rows and water using a watering can with a rose attachment.Thin seedlings out once

In a large pot, mix together a rich purple osteospermum with zesty yellow and orange bidens, lantana, portulaca and California poppies for the perfect summer cocktail.springJune - August 40 minutesOsteospermum 'Malindi'Lantana camaraCalifornia poppy

. Garden fork Sharp knifeLarge potsGritty compost mix made from equal parts grit or perlite and potting compostLabel and pencilDecember - January30 minutesUse a garden fork to lift the whole plant out of the ground gently, taking care not to damage its

of gladioli corms in bordersGive azaleas and acid-loving shrubs a generous feed with acidic (ericaceous) fertiliserPlant out sweet pea seedlings sown last autumnSupport oriental poppies with canes to prevent them flopping

and out to let in more lightTake root cuttings of perennials including phlox and oriental poppiesPlant hippeastrum bulbsUse rainwater to keep the compost of potted azaleas constantly moistVentilate greenhouses on warm, dry days

Follow Rachel de Thame's step-by-step video guide to making a Christmas wreath, using plant material gathered from around the garden, such as camellia leaves and berrying ivy.DecemberMore Christmas projectsMaking home-made Christmas decorations from