PLANT YOUR BORDER
If you garden on heavier soil you can breathe a sigh of relief. Most of these plants appreciate reliably moist ground over summer, especially the lobelia, but the soil shouldn’t be waterlogged. Admittedly the lobelia will even grow in a bog, but the rest of the plants like the soil to have adequate drainage too. Clear the site of weeds and break up any compacted ground before adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter.
1 Start with the rudbeckia
To get the earliest display sow Rudbeckia hirta under glass in late March to ensure good-sized plants ready to go out after the frosts in late May. These should flower from July until the frosts, as long as you keep deadheading. Alternatively, buy seedlings or young plants. In a sheltered area with a bit of protection they’ll perform as short-lived perennials, but they’re easier to grow as half-hardy annuals.
2 Sow the gomphrena
Gomphrena ‘Fireworks’ can be started under cover in late March or early April, ready to plant out in late May – or you can also sow it direct in May. It copes with both light sandy soil and heavier ground. The flowers are loved by butterflies and flower arrangers alike. You’ll find plants self-seed in future years.
3 Direct sow the borage
Borage isn’t a fan of disturbance so sow seed direct where they are to flower in April or May, thinning seedlings to around 30cm (12in) apart as they grow. However, you can also sow into modules (rather than a seed tray and pricking out), especially where you only need a couple of accent plants. Sow in March under cover, keep them growing smoothly and plant out after watering thoroughly. Make sure plants don’t run short of water over summer to minimise the chance of powdery mildew.
4 Establish the lobelia
Plant ‘Vedrariensis’ in spring, arranging a sweep of this striking upright perennial right across the border. Water in well and finish with a mulch of well-rotted organic matter to help conserve moisture and give it the fertile and reliably moist soil it prefers. Divide established plants in early spring as the first signs of new growth appear and beware slugs and snails who love the new shoots. Give an added protection of dry mulch over winter.
5 Finish with the pennisetum
Fountain grasses love a warm climate but ‘Hameln’ is more robust than most and with its smaller stature can be placed front of border without overwhelming its neighbours. Establish plants in spring, adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter and some grit to the planting area to ensure a welldrained spot. In future years these deciduous grasses will tend to be slightly late coming into growth. Cut back old stems and leaves in March before new growth emerges to keep plants looking fresh and green. Established clumps that have begun to show an empty heart can be lifted and divided in spring. Give plants some extra winter protection by surrounding them with a dry mulch (such as chipped bark), especially in exposed areas.