There are certain types of plant that are invaluable in any garden, because of the qualities they bring to a bed or border, such as movement, focus and colour. Identifying these helpful heroes and wha

The dream for most garden owners is not to have a boundary at all – given a choice we would probably all prefer an unbroken ‘borrowed’ view, preferably of idyllic countryside or suitably breathtaking

From grasses to ferns and herbaceous perennials, these choice winter evergreens light up borders with colour and texture, says Sue Fisher

A vivid tapestry of green is the mainstay of any garden and retains focus during winter

Design solutions

It took Sarah Biddulph a while to work up to tackling the long borders at Rodmarton Manor. Not just because of their sheer size, but also because they are the centrepiece of an Arts & Crafts garden th