Plant a summer container

If your garden is parched, exposed or has poor soil, there are still plenty of plants that will thrive, says Joe Swift

Create a long-lasting container display with plants that will return year on year

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of soil when you’re trying to save water. Improving your soil with organic matter, or mulching, regularly will help retain moisture (reduce evaporation) and im

Add drama to your garden with potted exotics. Soak the plant, in its original pot, in some not-too-cold water. Then move the new, empty, pot into position; this saves you doing so when it’s full of he

Keep those containers looking marvellous well into autumn, for wonderful colours and scents right through the seasons

Make sure you look after plants without wasting water