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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

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

, these summery, golden flowers burst through a soft, shimmering helichrysum and the multi-tonal shrub, Lantana camara.March - April June - August40 minutesHelichrysum petiolare 'Limelight'Osteospermum 'Orange Symphony' or O. 'Lemon Symphony' x2Lantana camara

plants the following summer. Kept on a warm windowsill over winter, your cuttings will quickly develop roots and leaves. They'll be ready to plant out in spring, and will flower all summer.Established geranium (pelargonium) plantPlastic potsSeed compost

Learn how to grow sweet pea plants from seed with Monty Don's step-by-step video advice.springMore on growing flowers from seedPotting on sweet peasGrowing lupinsPlanting out cerinthesGrowing dahlias from seed

have to trim its fig-like leaves to let the Spanish flag flowers truly shine. Set off these two annual climbers to perfection by planting delicate but colourful bedding plants around the base of the display. Don't be tempted to plant out tender young

Find out how to encourage the best sweet pea crop, by following Sarah Raven's video guide, with tips on pot selection, pinching out and which plants to choose.OctoberMore advice on growing sweet peasHow to use plant supportsMonty's advice on sowing sweet peasHow to pot on sweet p...

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

Sown now in the greenhouse, dahlia seeds will produce young plants ready to plant outdoors in late May to flower this year. Seed companies sell a range of quick-growing bedding strains that are suitable for growing this way. You can also use

The handsome, silver-leaved foliage plant cineraria adds sparkle to a dull winter's day, along with cheery variegated ivy, while brightly coloured red miniature cyclamen provide a vivid contrast and a festive splash of colour