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Hostas reign supreme when it comes to striking foliage. All hostas look great in containers, but for something a little more unusual, try Hosta nigrescens. Its upright habit makes an eye-catching patio feature.May - JuneJune - August30 minutes Hosta nigrescensLarge, glazed contai...

slugsTry to water the garden in the morning, rather than the evening, as trails of water over the garden create night-time slug highways. Water at the roots if possible, or dip potted plants in buckets of water.Piles of sweet bran under hostas creates

This combination of begonia, pelargonium and fern plants will brighten up a shady area. Although unlikely bedfellows, they all enjoy a lightly shaded spot and make an impressive display. The begonia and fern plants will provide interesting shape

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...

in a cool, lightly shaded spot.AdamWhen it's flowered, cut back the begonia and move it indoors. The ferns can be repotted or enjoyed in the garden.More planting combinations for shadeGrowing shade-loving acer and ajuga.Grow plants for shade

little corner of the countryside in your garden.any timeMarch - April20 minutesFoamflower, TiarellaBleeding heart, Dicentra spectabilisBrunneraWide, shallow potMulti-purpose compostCrocksPlace a layer of crocks at the bottom of pot, then three

looking like dog-eared lace doilies. Hostas seem to be the snack of choice for all molluscs.This problem is pretty much universal - except, it seems, at Hever Castle in Kent, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Hever Castle has a magnificent rose garden

The orange-coloured stems of the dogwood 'Winter Beauty' add a fiery touch to an autumn garden, and they'll continue to steal the show until spring. An evergreen fern acts as a lush green cushion beneath it throughout winter, while the bright red

in the winter to stop the phormium's roots freezing.More container ideas for shade-loving plantsGrowing shade-tolerant begonia and plectranthus in a container.Brightening a shady corner with begonia and pelargonium.Growing shade-loving hostas and ferns.

Acers don't like to be baked by the sun so this pot is perfect for a sheltered spot. This particular Japanese maple has beautiful filigree leaves but it's just one of a fantastic range of leaf colours and shapes that are available. The colourful leaves of the low-growing bugle wi...