Reignite late-summer borders with Smouldering colours

WITH the midsummer peak now passed, light levels are changing and there’s the sense that autumn is approaching. But that doesn’t mean the gardening year is over and that borders should drift into decline; far from it, as there are plenty of plants that are just getting into their stride. Many of them come in rich, jewel-like and berry colours: ruby reds, amethyst, tones of bruised plum, inky purples and clarets.

These sultry hues fit perfectly with the languid feel of late summer; many also come courtesy of good value plants that will set the garden up for its transition into autumn.