annuals

The flower that looks like a flame, blooms into autumn, and is edible—celosia is still little known

Celosia, also called cockscomb, is a showy annual with flame-like blooms in intense colours that keep going well into autumn. With sun, warmth and free-draining soil, it’s easy to grow and some types are even used as a leafy vegetable.

5 min read

September Isn’t the End, It’s the Start of the Final Garden Sprint

September is one of the busiest months in the garden, when harvesting overlaps with sowing and planting for next year. A little planning now brings earlier flowers, healthier beds, and less work in spring.

5 min read

Low Maintenance Sun Loving Plants That Handle Drought and Summer Heat

Got a spot that bakes in sun from morning to night? These tough, sun-loving plants cope well with heat and dry soil, and many will reward you with long flowering and reliable ground cover.

5 min read

For Flowers All Summer, Choose This Reliable Star for Window Boxes and Borders

Verbena is one of the most dependable summer bloomers, flowering from late spring right up to the first frosts. Give it sun and free-draining soil and it will reward you with waves of colour in borders and cascades in containers.

5 min read

How to plan a border that flowers from the first days of spring to late autumn

A border that stays colourful from early spring until autumn doesn’t happen by accident. With the right mix of bulbs, perennials and annuals, you can bridge flowering gaps and keep the display going for months.

5 min read