The days might be cold and grey but your outside space can still bring you joy – there are sturdy, vigorous plants that will fill it with beauty and heart-lifting colour…

In 1993 Sarah and Chris Vermont moved from Brixton, London, to Hungerdowns in Essex, an old farmhouse dating back to 1600 with a Georgian front added in 1757. In the garden there were existing hedges,

For instant impact in a newly landscaped garden, there’s nothing quite like planting mature trees or native hedgerow plants for transformative and long-lasting results, believes Steven Desmond

Romantic planting with a sleek modern style creates a striking mix in this Hertfordshire garden

Within a framework of mature trees, this naturalistic Surrey garden contains a mix of informal planting and formal topiary

Long dismissed as garden relics, these easy-care classics are now the go-to for effortless colour and pollinator appeal