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Chris Beardshaw demonstrates how to grow acid-loving South African proteas, with tips on positioning, growing medium, feeding and watering.springhalf an hourMore on container gardeningBrowse our collection of pot and container recipes View our

.MayJune - September20 minutesGazania plants x3Sanvitalia plants x2Lantana plants x2Large potCrocksCompostGlovesFind a sun-soaked spot for this container and get out your gardening gloves, as lantana can irritate sensitive skin. Add crocks to the bottom of the pot

In the heat of summer, this showy pot will bring a taste of the tropics to your garden. The huge, red-tinged banana leaves flounce above a frothy skirt of blue-grey parrot's beak and honey bush, and fiery begonias. April - JuneJune - September30

The colour combination of pink and yellow creates a refreshing display, blending pretty marguerites and pink begonias with the peachy pompoms of verbena. Play up the cottage-garden look with a rustic basket, and decorate the sides with a trail

Less is definitely more when it comes to this spectacular container project. The spiky dasylirion makes a huge impact on its own - other plants would just be a distraction. Rather like a natural fibre optic light, its bristling leaves are dramatically set off when the fibrous tip...

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

. The fern can be replanted in the garden.More advice on growing shade-loving plantsGrowing shade-loving hostas.Creating a pot display of begonias and ferns.Potting up a shade-tolerant display of ferns, violets and hostas.Learn how to take begonia cuttings.

Dahlias come in a fascinating variety of shapes and sizes, and the pom-pom types, with their rows of incurved petals, resemble old-fashioned bathing caps. Dahlia 'Franz Kafka' lends itself - ironically, given its name - to a relaxed cottage-garden

Protect you plants from the cold weather and wrap half-hardy bananas, palms, cannas and ginger lilies in fleece and straw if they grow in sheltered positions. Alternatively lift the plants, pot or crate them up and bring into a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory to plant outdo...

to 2cm below the rim, pushing it down firmly with your fingers as you go. Water in well and allow the basket to drain before transferring it to its bracket.AdamIf you are an organic gardener, add pelleted chicken manure. This will release nutrients