BEAUTIFUL borders

There are few lovelier sights than a border of peerless plants, a living composition in which colour, form and texture are finely balanced to peak and endure, before fading gracefully as the seasons advance. But, as any gardener knows, creating a substantial border is a major undertaking, and success lies in getting to know your plants intimately, and choosing those that are well-matched to the situation in terms of soil type, aspect and position.

With an unpredictable climate and the vagaries of nature to contend with, no two seasons are ever the same, and the superstar of one year can be reduced to the status of nonentity the next.

During the warmer months, more often