Plant a palette

AUTUMN chrysanthemums (in store; £10 each or two for £15) are hardy enough to plant in late summer and autumn. They come in colours from white to burgundy and flower for weeks.

Not only do the bright hues make for a cheerful space to relax in, they also attract a wide array of birds and butterflies – adding even more vibrancy to your garden’s palette.

Your first job is incorporating seasonal shades among planting. Echinacea, sedum and rudbeckia will give you cheerful, impactful blooms well into late summer.

I love the dramatic effect of grouping your flowering plants by colour. You could put lavender, salvia, hardy geraniums and verbena together and enjoy a rich and regal purple patch of flowers.

New flower pots are an easy, quick solution. Terracotta ones add a warm, Mediterranean atmosphere to your plot and look stunning when planted with lime-green plants such as euphorbia or hostas.

The boldness of brightly coloured, glazed or plastic pots can be stunning – especially if planted with flowers from the opposite side of the colour wheel; think autumn chrysanthemums in orange with blue planters, or red heucheras in green tubs.

If your beds and planters are already fully stocked, why not experiment with outdoor lights? Hanging up multi-coloured string lights creates a carnival-like feel. For added drama, nestle colourchanging uplighters among structural plants.

You can also add an eye-catching twist by giving a boundary wall or section of fence a new lease of life with a lick of bright paint.

Intense oranges, punchy pinks and brilliant blues will instantly transform a lacklustre space.

For further advice on how to add colour to your garden, visit diy.com.