Summer

Garden designer Adam Hunt recommends his favourite bulbs for colour almost all year round.

Award-winning designer Jo Thompson offers new container-planting inspiration with an idea for flower combinations for late spring

These dramatic and often statuesque succulents are finally having their moment in the sun – which is just where they like it. Words Nick Bailey, photographs Annaïck Guitteny

The subtle grass-like sedges of Carex are perfect for adding texture and beauty in challenging and shady spots in the garden. Words Giacomo Guzzon, photographs Jason Ingram

We asked expert plantspeople, designers and gardeners which brand new and recently introduced plants they are excited about growing this year

Spring is the ideal time to plant summer-flowering bulbs. We asked four experts to recommend their favourites

Looking for plants with impact? Great Dixter's head gardener Fergus Garrett rounds up his top plants for dramatic impact

One of the UK's most innovative gardeners, head gardener at Great Dixter, Fergus Garrett, shares the plants he loves the most. Portrait Jim Holden

Once hugely popular, pampas grass fell out of fashion, but along with growing numbers of dried flower enthusiasts, expert grower Adrian Bloom is keen to show they are worth a second look. He highlights the best that he grows in his own garden Foggy Bottom in Norfolk, and advises on growing them. Images by Adrian Bloom and Richard Bloom

The poppy is widely recognised flower with a fascinating history. Here are ten interesting facts about poppies. Main photo by AnnaÏck Guitteny

The scarlet poppy may be one of the most instantly recognisable flowers, but with more than 70 species of Papaver, in a range of shapes and colours, there’s one for every garden. Plant expert John Hoyland picks the best and gives his growing advice

If you thought children's play areas and a stylish garden don't mix, here's our advice on pleasing the whole family in the garden.

As varied in form as they are widespread, sea hollies lend instant character to a planting scheme with their sculptural bearing and shimmering colour. Photographs by Jason Ingram

Discover some of the most beautiful white flowers around and learn how to make a stunning white border to delight from early spring to late summer

Choose from our list of favourite scented sweet peas – perfect for your garden and hand-picked bouquets

Find out how to grow your best sweet peas yet with help from cut flower grower and florist, Georgie Newbery. Images by Jason Ingram.

These enthusiastic ornamental grasses are superb performers, whether used in borders, prairie-style planting schemes or for bold, simple drifts in the garden. Words Neil Lucas Photographs Jason Ingram

These tender foliage plants embody a new, light-hearted and exuberant approach to gardening. Garden writer Matt Collins is your guide to how to grow begonias, when to plant them and chooses his favourite varieties to grow. Photographs Jason ingram

New forms of these little-known gems with their dainty, tubular flowers and often delicious scent are at last finding their way into nurseries and gardens – and rightly so. Words John Hoyland. Photographs Jason Ingram.

Persicaria are versatile perennials with late season, brightly coloured flower spikes on hearty green plants from July through to late October. Plantsman Rory Dusoir shares his advice on how to grow persicaria and where to plant it. Photographs Dianna Jazwinski

Commonly known as pineapple lilies, these exotic-looking plants are generally hardier than they appear, and can bring a fresh burst of colour and scent to late-summer gardens. Words Benjamin Pope, photographs Richard Bloom

Our changing climate is already changing the way we garden. But what plants should we grow? Must we sacrifice lushness for toughness? We asked five leading designers whose gardens have sustainability at their core for their ideas