Planting Gardens

Other seasonal plants to grow at home…

Choosing the right plant for the right place is where every good garden begins, and it is the part that repays a little thought more than almost anything else. Over fifty years I have learned that a border looks after itself when the plants in it suit the soil, the light and the space they are given, and makes hard work of everything when they do not.

In this section I share how to go about it: choosing plants that will genuinely thrive in your conditions, arranging them so they earn their keep through the year, and planting them so they settle quickly and get away well. There is advice on building borders with colour and interest in every season, on the plants that cope with the awkward spots, dry shade, damp corners, exposed and coastal gardens, and on making the most of pots and containers where ground space is short.

Whether you are planting a border from scratch or simply filling a few gaps, start with your soil and your aspect and let them guide you. The guides below will help you choose well and plant with confidence.

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