Pots for summer impact

In the first of a new series, Arit Anderson inspires us to be creative with simple containers oozing summer flair. This month, a combination of plants perfect for pollinators and wildlife

- Arit Anderson

BEST FOR POLLINATORS

I have a small town garden and from the outset I have loved displaying containers on my patio to celebrate seasonal planting and experiment with new ideas. These 'mini borders' can be tailored to suit any position or soil type... you get to make the rules!

Choosing the right container for your garden style is important. Terracotta pots like this one sit well in cottage gardens and those with a Mediterranean feel. Look out for old gems at reclamation yards or car boot fairs. With your container chosen, it's time to get creative with planting.

Both Vitex agnus-castus and Verbena rigida are bee and butterfly magnets, and are long-flowering, from summer into autumn. From a design perspective, I've added a red fountain grass (Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum'), whose delicate dark leaves contrast perfectly with the purple and white flowers. All these plants are perennial, so at the end of the season I simply pop them in the border and start again.

How to plant up your pot

YOU WILL NEED:

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) Verbena rigida Red fountain grass (Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum') Peat-free multi-purpose compost Terracotta pot, approx 45cm diameter