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For the boldest, brightest display in a hanging basket choose a large container (no smaller than 35cm) and pack it with plants. But keeping them flowering is thirsty work, so for a really successful show the plants will need plenty of water on a

and algae.Water insectsNewts lay their eggs on pond plants. Good varieties to include are water forget-me-nots, watercress and reeds.NewtsMore on garden pondsHow to build a garden pond.Make a mini-pond.Top 10 pond plantsHow to maintain a Garden pond

Pond plantsWater enhances any garden, and there are a wide range of aquatic plants that will thrive when submerged in a pond. We spoke to expert grower Linda Smith at BBC Gardeners' World Live 2009, who recommended 10 of the best plants for garden

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

Take 10 minutes first thing in the morning, during the height of summer, to pour water onto the floor of the greenhouse. This simple task creates enough moisture throughout the day to prevent your plants from suffering heat stress.Watering can full

As temperatures rise and summer sets in, give your container plants a little time and care. Water, feed and deadhead them regularly over the next few weeks and you can keep plants flowering and looking good right into autumn.Container plantsWatering

of plastic inside this.Snip a few drainage holes into the plastic, then fill the basket two-thirds full with compost (mixed with water-retaining gel). Plant the ipomoea and osteospermum off centre.A reservoir makes watering large baskets more efficient, so

house plantsLooking after orchids, with a video guide from Sarah RavenGrowing orchidsGrowing cactiInstalling an automatic watering systemBrowse a selection of general houseplantsView a variety of cactus plants

thoroughly until water starts to run out of the bottom of the pot.Plants can be fed with a soluble fertiliser added to the watering can. Orchid fertiliser is available from most garden centres, or use a general-purpose feed at half strength every third

into the pebbles to hold them firm.Add water to just below the bulb and no higher, topping up to this level as needed.AdamBuy enough narcissus bulbs to plant several vases every seven to 10 days throughout September and early October to provide a succession