Outdoor inspiration: how to get flower power at home

There are few flowers that will give your garden better flower power than the rose. This long-flowering classic comes in myriad varieties, masses of colours, as a bush, shrub or climber, and in fragrant or non-fragrant types.

For show-stopping impact, plant in hedges or en masse to draw the eye, but avoid thorny varieties if planting near a path or verandah.

Feed, feed, feed for optimum floral fabulousness. Add rose food once a month during the flowering season, which generally runs through summer and autumn, and deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms. Prune each winter.

Enlist fragrant varieties to stimulate the senses. Plant in a sunny spot under a window, around an outdoor room or grow over arbours or architecture for a stunning display.

Choose plants that will complement your home’s style and colour scheme. White and pastel tones suit traditional or Victorian facades, while bold colours can work well with a more modern scheme.

Roses make wonderful cut flowers. Water the night before picking and snip blooms first thing in the morning, to enjoy them at their best and put minimum stress on the blooms. Rather than strip one bush, select a few from a range of plants to keep your garden glorious. 

For tips on creating a gorgeous floral arrangement, click here.