AUTUMN extravaganza

Refresh tired summer containers with plants that sparkle till winter

- CHRIS MORLEY

Whip out exhausted summer bedding, put it on the compost heap and start afresh with late-flowering perennials that sizzle till the first frosts. Use new peat-free, multipurpose compost, and mix in slow-release fertiliser granules. Then browse the garden centres for plant combinations in complementary colours, sizes and shapes. Stick to the basic rules and you won't go wrong - start with a tall showstopper, and add two to three supporting plants in contrasting shapes and colours.

Tickled pink

The following combination delivers a vibrant hit of pink and purple, with shimmering silver foliage as a foil. Use a pot that's at least 30cm diameter and 40cm deep, and deadhead flowers for a long display.

1 Dahlia 'Park Princess' The explosion of pink cactus-type blooms on this sturdy perennial will go right on till October; 60cm high.

2 Slender vervain (Verbena rigida) loose habit and clusters of punchy purple flowers; 60cm high.