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Red hot pokers can be a spectacular sight in the border, adding dramatic vertical structure to a planting scheme as well as a hit of late summer colour. However, gone are the days when red hot pokers were literally that; red hot. Now they come in all shades, from the brightest of reds and oranges through to the most delicate of greens, yellows and creams. Flowering periods are much longer too, with some cultivars blooming from early summer right through to autumn. And you can choose between those that make giant clumps to dainty, dwarf varieties that are just perfect for the front of a border.

Given the right conditions, they are also fairly robust plants. The secret is to choose a sunny spot on soil that stays moist in summer, but doesn’t get waterlogged over the winter. There are many varieties to choose from, but ‘Tawny King’ (pictured above) has done well in trials across the country.

It’s worth deadheading daffodils when the flowers fade, as this will help to prevent the seed heads from developing and so concentrate the plant’s energy into producing next year’s display. It also pays to allow the leaves to die back for at least six weeks and don’t, whatever you do, cut them off or tie them in knots!

(www.rhs.org.uk)

It’s too early to sow French and runner beans directly into the ground. Instead, sow them in pots or plug trays and place them somewhere warm and light to germinate. Within a few weeks, you will have healthy, young plants ready to transplant when the weather is warm enough.

(www.rhs.org.uk)

If your herbs are looking a bit tired or woody, consider giving them a tidy up. Sage can be hard pruned now to promote a bushier habit. Old growth can also be trimmed away from marjoram and oregano which will ensure fresh new shoots, delicious for the cooking pot! 

(www.rhs.org.uk)