Gardening tips

■ Before choosing any new plant, ask yourself whether it will fit in with the existing planting.

■ Expect to invest some money in the plants that give the permanent structure.

■ Keep enriching the soil – we even collect leaf mould from the woods and dig it in.

■ Watering can be a chore, but regular drenching is essential in dry weather to prevent plants dehydrating.

■ Ornamental grasses are good fillers in borders – neutral plants that keep the colour palette refined.