Old-fashioned annuals give quick, reliable season-long colour: nasturtiums spilling from borders, marigolds brightening veg beds, and fragrant stocks filling gaps. Easy from seed, cheap to replace, and available in many heights and hues, they suit beds, containers and window boxes. Finishing their life cycle in one season lets you try bold colour mixes and change your garden yearly for instant impact and flexibility.

Evergreens add year-round colour, structure, and depth to your garden. They shelter wildlife in winter, boost biodiversity, and serve as natural windbreaks and privacy screens, keeping your garden vibrant and inviting all year. In this post find out my top three.