Plant this
Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ is a plant straight out of the mind of Dr Seuss, with rosettes of dramatic, purple glossy leaves. You can plant this succulent outside as part of a drought-resistant summer container scheme; it looks great with other succulents such as sedums, or with the grey, needle-like leaves of the curry plant (Helichrysum italicum). Bring it under cover in September.
Sow this
Oriental greens are quick to bolt when sown in spring, but get them going in the warm, fertile soils of summer, and you’ll be picking within weeks, right through to the first frosts (and beyond, if you grow under cover). Sow little and often, ideally under a layer of fleece to deflect flea beetles; realseeds.co.uk has a great selection of unusual, bolt-resistant varieties.
Visit this
If you’re put off shows such as Chelsea because your “garden” is only a single windowbox, a balcony or a clutch of houseplants, the new RHS Summer Urban Garden show is for you. It’s on 11 July from 6-10pm and 12 and 13 July from noon-9pm at RHS Lawrence Hall, London SW1.
