Other favourite pot recipes

Other Favourite Pot Recipes

In this lesson, I'm going to introduce you to the pot combinations in one of the most sheltered spots of Perch Hill.

Recipe for a Boiled Sweet Pot in a Sheltered Spot

Thriller: Dahlia 'Happy Single Juliet'

Filler: Phlox drummondii 'Grandiflora Brilliant'

Spiller: Pelargonium 'Querxifolius'

Recipe for a Soft & Warm Whopper Pot

Thriller: Dahlia 'Hawaiian Sunrise'

Filler: Phlox 'Creme Caramel'

Spiller: Thunbergia 'African Sunset'

Making Sure You Love Your Summer Pots

These pots were planted up in the middle of May, once the tulips went over. The dahlias began to bloom in the middle of July and with the right care and with regular deadheading they will carry on producing until late November, so in total, you will have five months of beauty out of these pots.

As you will be living with them for so long, it is very important that you love them. That's why getting the colour combinations and form right is so crucial. If you follow my rules, you will be able to create something that you love for months to come.

Recipe for a Low-Maintenance Perennial Pot

• Agapanthus 'Midnight Blue'

I've had this particular agapanthus for over 20 years now and every three years I take it out of its pot, cut the root ball into quarters with a sharp spade and then replant them separately.

The reason you only want to do this every three years is that agapanthus will bloom better when the root ball is packed tightly together and the plant is under a bit of stress.

This variety also produces beautiful seed heads and is very drought resistant, making it easy to look after during warm summer.

A Dark and Rich Pot That the Birds Love

The Recipe for a Dark and Rich Pot for Birds

Bride: Amaranth 'Red Army'

Bridesmaid: Salvia 'Nachtvlinder'

Gatecrasher: Tagetes 'Constance'

Tagetes are a great companion plant and will help to deter aphids and other pests as they emit a chemical called 'limonene', so they're a great addition to any garden.

Amaranths are also a very good source of plant-based protein as they produce quinoa, which is very good for birds and of course humans too.