Best of the bunch

IF you like lots of flowers in your garden for as long as possible, consider planting some Michaelmas daisies.

They have been in full swing since September and should see the month out in style.

They can sometimes be effected by powdery mildew, a white fungus that greatly reduces their vigour, so ask for mildew-resistant varieties.

‘Little Carlow’ is ideal for smaller gardens – compact, bushy and smothered in pale-violet daisies with a yellow eye.

Ideally plant in fertile, moist soil in partial shade – sunshine is fine but you don’t want the soil to dry out as that encourages mildew.

Cut back when flowering is finished and mulch then or in spring.