Bedding plants are invaluable for edging flower borders and pathways. By creatively selecting plants to suit the style of the garden you can design the perfect edging to compliment your flower beds. If the borders are in full sun choose plants that will tolerate the hot, dry seasons.
The day before planting prepare the soil by lightly forking it over, adding some good compost and a sprinkle of bonemeal to give the plants a good start. Water the prepared area well and leave to drain.
It’s preferable to plant out either early morning or on a cloudy day. Carefully ease the rootball of each plant out of the tray, taking care not to pull or hold them by their stems or leaves as they are very delicate. Once in position in the border water well and keep the soil moist until the plants are established, then just water as and when needed.
For maximum impact group the plants together so they will spill over pathways and spread between taller border plants, acting as colourful groundcover by covering bare soil and helping to retain moisture.
Growing to approximately 15cm tall and spreading to 20/25cm wide the compact Alyssum, in pink, white or purple is a popular reliable choice.
Bacopa is a pretty, heat tolerant plant with pink, white and lavender blooms reaching 15/20cm and flowering profusely all summer long.
For unusual feathery blooms try Celosias, which grow from 20/75 cm tall and have vibrant colours of orange, red and yellow.
The dainty flowers of the dwarf Dianthus available in pink, red, violet and white, will cope well with intense heat and grow to 20/35cm.
Portulaca has masses of gorgeous bright flowers in yellow, red, pink, orange and lavender. It will spread to around 30cm wide and grows to 10/15cm in height.
