Most herbs originate in hot, dry climates and dislike our cold, wet winters. Growing them in pots is therefore perfect because they can be brought under cover for the winter. You can also keep them near your kitchen, where you can access them easily. Herbs look fantastic in containers, too – here we’ve combined red-veined sorrel with geranium, basil, calendula and salad burnet.
Drill drainage holes in the base of the container, if necessary, add crocks and then fill two-thirds with compost. Cover the bottom of the pot with crocks, then fill it two-thirds with compost, mixed with a few handfuls of horticultural grit or sand.
Arrange the plants in the pot in any order you like.
Top up with compost, firming it around the roots with your fingers, then add a mulch of gravel to conserve moisture.
Water the container well and allow to drain before moving to its final position.
For this container display, we’ve picked a mix of shade-loving plants with contrasting leaf shapes and colours, which we planted in an etched brass container that will reflect light and enhance the green of the foliage. Don’t forget, if the container you’ve picked doesn’t already have holes for drainage, drill these in yourself. Most plants struggle in waterlogged soils. More container gardening advice: The best shade-loving plants How to plant garlic i
Planted up with an interesting blend of succulents, this container display is ideal for a sunny spot in the garden where these plants should thrive. This succulent container display is finished with a washed gravel mulch that complements the foliage colours and aids drainage. More container gardening advice: Six tips for growing succulents How to grow succulents How to grow echeveria Find out how we planted up this succulent container display and how
Snowdrops (Galanthus sp.) are some of the first bulbs to emerge in the year, and their pretty, nodding flowers signal the beginning of spring. A snowdrop container is easy to create and will make an attractive display – just make sure you plant the snowdrops in the ground, after flowering has finished. Before you start your snowdrop pot, collect some moss from around the garden to create give your container a lush, natural-looking topping. You won’t need much, as a little goes a long way. Before
A strong colour theme is the key to this viola, campanula and euonymus container display. The vibrant golden foliage provides the backdrop for pretty violas and campanulas planted towards the front. The display will last for most of the summer, and you can recycle the foliage plants when it’s time to plant up for the autumn. Follow these easy steps to plant up your own viola and euonymus container, below.