In this handsome container we combine the leafy foliage of carex and English ivy, with bright red cyclamen flowers and the cream-green flowerbuds of the skimmia. Its perfect for adding a splash of colour in autumn, and will last right through to spring.
Position the container in a sheltered spot and where you want some winter interest, and place a layer of crocks at the bottom, then three-quarters fill with compost.
Add slow-release fertiliser granules to the compost and mix it in with your hands.
Plant the skimmia towards the back of the container, to the same depth in the new compost as it was in its previous pot. Plant the carex and cyclamen plants in bold clumps in front of it. Position the ivies at the front and sides of the pot so they can tumble over the edge.
Fill the container with compost, to within 5cm of the rim, firming around the plants with your fingers to squeeze out any air pockets.
Water the container thoroughly and allow to drain.
In this simple container display we combine Lavender ‘Hidcote’ with purple-flowered pansies. The green glazed pot brings out the colour of the foliage, which contrasts beautifully with the purple blooms. Inexpensive and long-lasting, it’s the perfect pot for a sunny corner. You Will Need
In this stylish pot, a purple osteospermum and hebe combine with a green fern for a classy, long-lasting display. The striking, colourful foliage of the hebe complements the flowers. Choose plants that vary in height to make a display with interest at all levels – ferns are ideal for the ‘backbone’ of a pot. The fern that we’ve used, Dryopteris affinis, is semi-evergreen, and the hebe is evergreen, which means you could switch the osteospermum for a winter bedding plant when summer ends.
This box pyramid container display with ornamental grass and orange osteospermum makes an attractive, year-round feature for a sunny or partially shaded corner. A mulch of gravel gives the container a fresh look, as well as retains moisture in the pot. You Will Need
Roses and clematis make the perfect planting partners, so why not bring the two together in a large pot display? Here we’ve combined ground cover rose ‘Suffolk’ with maroon-flowered clematis ‘Burma Star’ and a few trailing ivies to complete the look. All plants thrive with the minimum of fuss and will happily romp away, given adequate compost, food and water. Simply deadhead regularly and tie stems into place, and you’ll have an annual display that gets better every year.