Nothing dull about these

Plantings of impatiens, begonias and hydrangeas transform shady areas.

- Alice Spenser-Higgs

COLOURFUL: GARDENS TEND TO BE SHADIER IN SUMMER, SO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLOWERS.

Gardens tend to be shadier in summer, especially established gardens with tall trees and shrubs. Although there aren't nearly as many shade plants as those that like full sun, they still offer brilliant colours and beautiful foliage.

Bold, mass plantings of impatiens, begonias and hydrangeas can transform shady areas. Coleus offers just as much vivid colour and can be a feature on its own or in combination with bedding plants that pick up on their colours.

Fuchsia in full bloom are also showstopper and the colour range is huge. They grow in light shade and bloom more or less continuously from summer to autumn, growing equally well in hanging baskets, containers and in the ground.

For beautiful foliage you can't go wrong with Hostas. Although they produce delicate flowers in summer, they are more valued for the varied size, colours and textures of their leaves. They grow easily and with minimal care in any shady or partially shady border or under trees.