I like to know I’ve had every last flower from my summer containers before I have to pull them out so I’ve been hanging on as long as possible but I can definitely say they have had their day now and are ready for something new for the autumn/winter months.

I don’t have as many pots and containers in the winter as summer but I do like a few along the path to brighten my passage to the back door through the colder months.

Bright and White

A limited colour palette is always a classy look, purple white and silver being one of my favourite trios.

So in my pot I’ve chosen a stripy Zebra Grass for some height; a lovely lush green fern for texture; some variegated ivy to fall over the edge; some white cyclamen and purple Pansies for long lasting flowering and a purple heuchera to complement the pansies. I will plant out the grass; fern and heuchera when the pots are past their best.

Grass in a container is always a good addition to soften things either planted at the back of a mixed display to add some height and movement or if you are pushed for time you could try planting a whole container of them as they pretty much look after themselves, top dressed with pebbles to finish the look.

Choose plants of a good size as they will not grow a large amount during the winter. Decide on your container, going for the biggest you can, then add broken crocks at the bottom for good drainage. Then half fill your pot with compost, plant the taller plants at the back of the container with smaller/shorter plants at the front and sides, filing the gaps with more compost as you go.

Firm down and water well. Use pot feet to raise the pot off the ground and to prevent cracking in frosts if you are using a breakable pot. Move into position where you can admire it daily and try not to let it dry out.

Forever Green A nice bit of clipped topiary is another way to go for a classic doorstep choice. Bringing a sense of ordered elegance to things. Paired with some variegated ivy around the edge to lift the dark-leaved box.