There’s no simpler way of perking up even the smallest garden than with a few well-chosen tubs and troughs. Here are some tips on the types of flowers and arrangements to choose.

It’s hard to be enthusiastic about gardening when the weather is grey and miserable. But think ahead to what a few splashes of localised colour will do to brighten your back garden and lift your spirits when the days improve again.

There’s no simpler way of perking up the smallest garden than with a few well-chosen and well-placed tubs and troughs. First, think about the sort of container you want. There are so many to choose from and each will look very different depending on what sort of flowers and arrangements you choose.

Plastic is cheap and durable though not particularly pretty, but you can do much to conceal it with trailing foliage. If you have a bit of cash to splash take a look in your garden centre for some more unusual pots. Plain orange flowerpots are a starting point and look very Mediterranean when placed against whitewashed garden walls. Glazed pots in earthy tones or bright blues and greens have become very popular recently. You can also look for wooden barrels or elegant urns, sandstone troughs or even chimney pots, which are pricey and don’t allow much space for planting at the top end.

Attention to draining is important so that plants don’t get waterlogged. Make sure you crock adequately and use quality compost such as John Innes No. 2 or No. 3 with added peat and grit. Garden soil is unsuitable as it becomes very compacted.

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