Five lessons for a city space

• Don’t discount exotic species. Many South African plants are very happy in urban Sheffield. • A good ground layer of plants, out of which other, taller things can emerge, will keep the garden looking good in the early months, so plant large numbers of shadetolerant understorey plants, such as primulas and ranunculus. • Trying to have flowers from January to November means that you have to open the vegetation up more than if you just want a garden from April to September. It’s more work, but you’re rewarded with greater visual interest. • Dogs and gardens can be tricky. This is the first garden James has had with a dog – one that occasionally wants to dig a big hole. • Don’t be in a big rush to discard plants that don’t seem to be performing. Give them another year as it makes a big difference.