Richard Jackson: Tips for sprucing up beds and borders

Hello! We're in mid-summer now and what with all the BBQs and garden parties, you want friends and family to see your garden at its beautiful best!

A great way to brighten up your garden is with vibrant and structured beds and borders. Follow my handy tips for sprucing them up:

• Replace old plants: Bite the bullet and get rid of any plants past their best.

• Neaten up borders: Cut back plants that have overgrown their space. Now is a safe time to cut back most plants because, with a bit of watering, they'll grow back very quickly.

• Add colour: It's amazing how much better borders will look with some carefully chosen vibrant plants. You can use pots and bedding plants.

• Buying new plants: Choose plants that will give you some impact during winter. Plants may look dramatic in the garden centre, but keep in mind how these plants will look at other times of the year.

• My recommendation: Evergreen plants such as the wall flower are fantastic. These plants flower eight months of the year, have great colour and structure, and are a fantastic performer for a sunny spot.

Tip: It's crucial that you regularly water any new plants to establish them.

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