Superfast borders

It’s not too late to sow a mix of annuals that will provide a cheering block of colour well into the autumn months, says Hazel Sillver, as she reveals the best seeds to sow now

- Hazel Sillver

PLENTY of annuals can still be sown in May, and when mixed en masse they create a striking sea of colour that will bloom into autumn. Sowing an annual border is a fun, easy and inexpensive task, because all you need is a few packs of seed and a patch of bare ground. In a few weeks’ time, it will be a carpet of flowers, blazing in the sun and buzzing with wildlife.

The effect of an annual border is a meadow-like charm that appeals to both adults and children alike. Indeed, being only an hour’s job of soil prep and sowing, this is a great project to enjoy with children.

Decide on the look of your annual border and select the seed accordingly. For instance, to create a modern, sophisticated feel, you might opt for dark flowers (such as Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’ and Papaver somniferum ‘Lauren’s Grape’) among a mix of purples and oranges (such as Salvia viridis ‘Marble Arch Blue’ and Cosmos bipinnatus Bright Lights); or an elegant selection of white blooms, with Orlaya grandiflora and Nigella papillosa ‘African Bride’ being excellent choices.