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's not confirmed how the virus is spread, but sap-sucking insects, nematodes and gardening tools, such as pruning knives, are likely contenders.Canna leaves develop pale spots and streaks, as well as a distorted, crinkly look, while flowers may also become

Follow Chris Beardshaw's step-by-step video guide to taking semi-ripe cuttings from plants, with advice on choosing the best plant material and how to prepare the cuttings.September - OctoberMore advice on propagating plantsHow to take basal cuttingsTaking summer cuttingsTaking r...

While many container displays are looking past their best by August, this late-summer display will brighten up a corner of the patio right through autumn. The fiery colours of Crocosmia 'Irish Dawn' and Celosia caracas contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of libertia.a...

The rich copper colours of the verbascum, fennel, sedum and diascia plants in this pot echo the colour of the warm terracotta pot beneath. Tall copper flower spikes of the verbascum give height to the display while the wispy, feathery foliage of the fennel adds texture and moveme...

If you're short of sun in your garden but want an interesting summer display, try this rich blend of foliage plants. Both the plectranthus and begonias perform well in shade.April - JuneJuly - September20 minutesBegonia rex x2Purple

This bright, contemporary container filled with sunny gazanias and rudbeckia plants is just the thing to jazz up your garden for the summer. It looks effective on its own or placed in a group with others, and best of all it's quick and easy to plant

Pelagoniums are a classic window box plant, they are used here as a focal point for a sea of lightly scented, delicate-pink nemesia. April - JuneJune - September20 minutesPink pelargoniumNemesia denticulata 'Confetti' x4Standard-sized window boxMulti-purpose compostCrocksPlace a ...

Home-grown herbs will bring your cooking to life, so why not make life really easy by planting them in a window box? Position it on your kitchen windowsill, then all you have to do is lean out to snip fresh pickings of fresh, home-grown herbs whenever you want them.May - JulyJuly...

SchizostylisExotic, elegant, yet eminently adaptable, it's time the overlooked schizostylis took a leading role in our gardens.Schizostylis coccinea flowers from late-summer until the first frosts. It has dainty and delicate stems and flowers

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