Pops of seasonal colour

Planting bedding is so easy and economical, says Ruth

SUMMER’S gaudy annuals have had their fling so it’s time for a changing of the guard. Get your autumn and spring bedding in now, while there is still a massive choice of colourful plants in garden centres and online. Plant them in enriched, free-draining soil, or in containers, and they will flower through autumn, then go dormant during the coldest months.

If you keep them healthy through winter, protecting them from pests and disease and keeping their area weed-free, as soon as the mercury starts to rise again next year they will start growing again and provide a blanket of brilliance in light and shady areas throughout spring.

Russian sage creates a striking feature
 

The most popular varieties for interest and colour include pansies and violas, wallflowers, daisy-like bellis, cyclamen, stocks and polyanthus.

This year I wanted to add some height to my bedding displays so I have added a couple of Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage) plants that smell delicious, a delicate Stipa grass and some sedums, loved for their autumn flowers and interesting seedheads.

The sage and grass are perennials and will add structure to the border through the winter too.

If your space is limited to a patio, balcony or windowbox you can still make the most of spring beddings.

Most thrive in containers and can be planted with trailing ivies or hardy herbs to add extra interest. Pot them up in multipurpose compost with an added

granular fertiliser, raise the containers up on feet and then water them regularly when conditions are dry.