My top 10 plants for all seasons

I’m often asked for advice on ways to make a garden look good all year round. It’s entirely possible to keep your garden interesting and colourful in spring, summer, autumn and winter. All it takes is a bit of planning.

It’s not just about colour though. Height, form and structure all contribute to the overall impact. I like to include mixes of textures and scents too. Gardens should be sensual experiences after all.

I suggest incorporating evergreen plants for year-round colour, along with seasonal flowering plants which add diversity and interest. I’ve listed my go-to favourites below.

These are the flowers that I choose time and time again to bring life and vibrancy to outdoor spaces.

Here are my top 10 plants for all seasons

1. Allium - this majestic flower is great for spring structure and colour. They can grow up to 15cm tall, producing balls of star-shaped flowers. My top tip is to plant alliums within other planting as the leaves die back quickly and are unsightly.

2. Agapanthus - also known as the African lily, the agapanthus is truly eye-catching. It is tall and striking, giving a bold summer structure. They look great planted with tall grasses to add texture and movement. The agapanthus is an absolute favourite of mine, definitely a go-to for impact in summer.

3. Verbena bonariensis - this perennial summer flower is loved by bees and butterflies (and me!). It can grow up to 120cm tall, so it works well in a mixed bed, providing striking form and height. It complements so many other plants. It has a thin, wiry stem with a cloud of lavender-coloured flowers at the top. It’s stunning and wildlife-friendly which is why it makes my top 10 list.

4. Stipa - a hardy grass that is easy to grow. It looks good all year round. Plant clumps of these grasses to add beautiful texture and movement to your garden. The strands sway in the breeze which can be bewitching to watch. It’s a really low maintenance plant which makes it a winner in my book.

5. Sweet peas - an all-time favourite and a great addition to any garden. The sweet pea grows anywhere. I love it for its continuous flowering and wonderful scent throughout summer. They are wonderful used as cut flowers in the house, filling rooms with fragrance.

6. Ferns - these hardy plants provide green texture for shady or semi-sunny areas. They bring a woodland vibe to shaded spots. They also stay green year-round. Ferns establish themselves quickly and are low maintenance. You’ll find many varieties to choose from too.

7. Japanese anemone - just as the flowers in the garden are fading and dying, this showstopper blooms and takes centre stage. It’s an absolute autumn winner. It produces elegant, pretty flowers which have a lengthy flowering season. They’re quite happy to live in the sun or a bit of shade; borders or pots.

8. Sedum - much like the anemone, the sedum provides late summer/ early autumn colour. They come in an array of colours from deep reds and pinks to lively yellows. The sedum is another great plant for attracting wildlife. It loves dry soil and a sunny spot. Just one plant can be split to provide many which is a real bonus.

9. Hellebores - this beautiful plant can be a lovely winter surprise. It likes to be positioned in a shady corner, and it will flower from December through to spring. It’s a good one for structure too. It adds colour throughout Winter, just to remind you that nature is still going strong even if lots of plants are sleeping at that point.

10. Rosemary - this plant gives lovely year-round colour and structure. Choose your rosemary plant for upright or spreading properties. I love plants that have multiple functions, and rosemary is well-known for its culinary, medicinal and cleansing abilities. Roast lamb isn’t the same without it.

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