Foliage first

Mix different-coloured foliage plants and varying leaf shapes for a series of interesting contrasts. Variegated plectranthus, sometimes called nepeta, black ipomoea and helichrysum quickly cloak the sides of a planter, while the upright Begonia ‘Whopper’, Iresine ‘Cherry’, Petunia ‘Black Velvet’, artemisia and Pennisetum glaucoma ‘Purple

Majesty’ all provide texture and interest.