In Season Now

Shade-loving pots
Hosta, fern & violet

Bring life to a shady corner with this mix of shade-loving favourites. There are hundreds of fabulous hostas to choose from. At the back of the planter the green fern adds strong textural contrast. If you can't live without flowers, mix in some violets; they'll bloom all spring in sun or shade and any type of soil.

You will need:
Hosta, e.g. Hosta 'Royal Golden Jubilee'
Male fern, Dryopteris filix-mas
Japanese painted fern, Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
Violet, such as 'Freckles'
Large pot
Crocks
Loam-based compost

Plant it: March - April
At its best: April - May
Takes just: 20 minutes

1.Cover the bottom of the pot with crocks, then fill it two-thirds with compost.

2.Plant the green fern at the back of the pot and tuck the hosta and the Japanese painted fern on either side. The optional violet in the front adds a froth of pretty white flowers.

3.Top up the pot with compost, firming it around the plant roots with your fingers.

 Visit gardenersworld.com for more inspiration on creating spring containers