Vicky’s tips FOR LASTING BORDER COLOUR

● Sow annual seeds in plastic pots, ready to slot into the borders wherever gaps occur.

● Plant self-seeders such as Verbena bonariensis, feather grasses and fennel.

● In autumn, plant spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, alliums and gladioli.

● Ensure a backdrop of interesting foliage, such as shiny palmshaped Fatsia japonica leaves or the deep red, heart-shaped leaves of the deciduous redbud ‘Forest Pansy’.