Pots to fill plots Fast fix as colours fade
BY this time of summer, many gardens are starting to decline – leaving gaping holes in flowerbeds and borders.
But with an injection of colour you can bring them back from the brink.
If possible keep a supply of potted plants in the wings, waiting to step in when things fail to deliver.
Otherwise you can simply throw a couple of handfuls of fast flower seeds – such as nasturtiums, calendulas and night-scented stocks – on the bare soil.
They will repair and create seamless displays in as little as six weeks.
Shop-bought potted plants can also offer immediate impact. Remember, pots will need some spot watering and a dose or two of liquid feed weekly.
Drafting in extra pot plants, you can arrange them in bold groups, set them on stands and tops of walls, or put them on plinths to add height and colour to flowerbeds.
Display
And at season’s end you can collect them up, store them undercover and create an all-new display next year.
Select fill-in plants carefully. The pink-and-white bicoloured Rosyjane, with its tall and wispy growth can be slipped into even a well-filled border for a little extra star quality.
Glamorous plants such as dahlias, cannas and shrubby salvias are also brilliant for beefing up borders.
And if boring shrubs need a facelift, use them to support summer-flowering climbers – such as clematis Jackmanii Superba, whose rich, dark purple velvety blooms look stunning threaded through grey foliage.
Groundcover plants with silver, blue-toned and variegated leaves, and white stems, will make your garden shine after dark. The soft, furry leaves of stachys Silver Carpet not only brighten a gloomy corner but are irresistible to touch – great below a seat when you have bare feet.
Or make a day-glo display of ground-hugging heucheras – their textured foliage comes in a colours from wine- red to lime green, purple and silver.
Pack a punch this summer with plants in every corner – and when there’s no room left on the ground, aim higher…
Q