If you’re short of sun in your garden but want an interesting summer display, try this rich blend of foliage plants. All plants perform well in shade – the begonia and the spider plants add foliage interest, while the busy Lizzie adds a splash of colour. The display will last well until the first frosts. Then, simply bring the pot indoors to overwinter the begonia and spider plants, and refresh the container with new busy Lizzies next year.
Cover the bottom of the container with crocks, to cover the drainage holes, then fill it two-thirds with compost.
Add slow-release fertiliser granules and mix them into the compost with your hands.
Plant the begonia first, at the back of the container, then the spider plants in front of it. Squeeze the busy Lizzie plants in whereever there is space. Cover with more compost and firm in well.
Water the container well and allow to drain before placing the container in its final position.
The orange gerbera (winter-hardy) and purple angelonia make the perfect colour contrast, while the grass creates a backdrop for the scheme and lends movement to the display. The combination is best suited to a sunny spot, so position it in the brightest area you have. Deadhead the blooms regularly to keep the display neat, and to encourage more flowers. Learn how to create this zesty gerbera and begonia container display, in just three easy steps.
The red berries of Skimmia japonica ‘Reevesiana’ and flowers of red cyclamen add colour to the autumn garden, and they’ll continue to steal the show into winter. Ornamental stipa grass acts as a lush green backdrop, while Phormium ‘Rainbow Queen’ adds a splash of winter interest, that will last for months. You Will Need
Osteospermums are perfect for growing in pots, offering a long season of pretty flowers for a sunny corner. Here, we’ve combined osteospermums with ornamental grass and santolina, whose foliage brings out the purple of the flowers. You Will Need
Bring life to a shady corner with these shade-loving favourites. The lime-green leaves of the fern contrast beautifully with the chequered purple snake’s head fritillaries. Perfect for spring, once you’re finished with the display, simply transplant the plants into your garden and repot the container with a fresh set of plants for summer.