What you will need

1Clean the outside of the trough planter and leave to dry thoroughly before painting.

2Paint the planter with the rust-effect paint and allow to dry thoroughly before coating with the activator (follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully). You’ll need to protect the surface you are working on with newspaper.

3Fix the trellis panel to the wall. Pre-drill the panel and mark the corresponding holes on the wall. Drill the holes in the wall and insert a Rawlplug in each one. Then, screw the panel to the wall. Use the spirit level to check the panel is level.

4Add some drainage crocks to the bottom of the planter. If necessary, use an electric drill or a hammer and heavy-duty nail to add a few drainage holes (see far right)..

5Fill with potting mix until it is about two-thirds full. Plant the star jasmine on the left towards the back of the planter, so you will be able to train it over the trellis panel. Make sure the rootball is an inch or so below the top of the planter, adjusting the level of the potting mix, as required.

6Screw vine eyes into the trellis panel, spacing them evenly so you can train the star jasmine up and across the panel. Thread the vine eyes with the wire – Isabelle crossed a couple of lengths of wire across the panel to provide a secure framework – and gently train the stems of the climber over the panel. You are aiming to create a fan shape.

7As the planter is not very deep, plant the remaining plants more or less in a row. Working from left to right in this example, the plants are chocolate cosmos, fleabane, salvia, English lavender and coneflower. Remember to check all the plants’ rootballs are level and add or remove potting mix if necessary.

8Fill any gaps between the plants with more potting mix and firm in gently. Water well and allow to drain.