Superfast borders
Amateur Gardening|May 15, 2021
It’s not too late to sow a mix of annuals that will provide a cheering block of colour well into the autumn months, says Hazel Sillver, as she reveals the best seeds to sow now
Hazel Sillver
Superfast borders

PLENTY of annuals can still be sown in May, and when mixed en masse they create a striking sea of colour that will bloom into autumn. Sowing an annual border is a fun, easy and inexpensive task, because all you need is a few packs of seed and a patch of bare ground. In a few weeks’ time, it will be a carpet of flowers, blazing in the sun and buzzing with wildlife.

The effect of an annual border is a meadow-like charm that appeals to both adults and children alike. Indeed, being only an hour’s job of soil prep and sowing, this is a great project to enjoy with children.

Decide on the look of your annual border and select the seed accordingly. For instance, to create a modern, sophisticated feel, you might opt for dark flowers (such as Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’ and Papaver somniferum ‘Lauren’s Grape’) among a mix of purples and oranges (such as Salvia viridis ‘Marble Arch Blue’ and Cosmos bipinnatus Bright Lights); or an elegant selection of white blooms, with Orlaya grandiflora and Nigella papillosa ‘African Bride’ being excellent choices.

This story is from the May 15, 2021 edition of Amateur Gardening.

Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 15, 2021 edition of Amateur Gardening.

Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.

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