ONE-SUMMER WONDERS

Once you have your shrubs, climbers and larger perennials in place, fill the gaps with annuals — which die after one growing season — that can be bought by the tray. Hardy annuals such as nigella, poppies, larkspurs, snapdragons and marigolds are ready to be planted out now to flower in June, while tender ones such as tithonia, cosmos (left), sunflowers (right) and tobacco plants need protection from frost and will flower from mid-summer to autumn. Use both for a succession of colour that complements your permanent planting.