Plant this If you need a barrier but find berberis too reminiscent of car parks, try anchor plant (Colletia paradoxa; ). This semi-evergreen South American shrub is covered in flattened spines that resemble anchors, and scented white flowers in autumn. Needs a sheltered wall in full sun. Height and spread: 3m x 3m.
Dig this If your compost bins are full, dig a trench for organic kitchen waste instead. In a spot where you want to plant a “hungry” crop such as beans next year, dig a 50-60cm deep trench, piling the soil to one side. Add veg peelings and cover with soil, repeating until the trench is full. Mark with sticks so you know where it is.
Click this Planning your 2020 veg patch? Why not get off the roundabout of annual sowing and grow perennials instead? Backyardlarder.co.uk is perennial veg expert Alison Tindale’s guide to everything, from wild rocket to babington leeks, and has plants for sale, too.
