Around this time of year I gather up whatever plants I have in containers and, along with any new additions, I make an arrangement that looks good from the living room window.

This display was made last year. Three Zinnia ‘Purple Prince’ plants, grown from seed, thrived in their galvanised container where I knew the slugs and snails would not get to them. (I have found these pests dislike all metal surfaces). The Echinacea was an impulse buy and spent a few weeks in full view here before I planted it out. I lost it over winter, but at least I managed to photograph it first!

Other pots and containers are moved about and their contents changed throughout the seasons. As they outgrow their makeshift homes they can go into the borders, or if they need more protection as winter approaches, they are relocated to the greenhouse.