Collecting seed pods that you want to reseed from is a cost effective way of multiplying supplies of your favourite plants.

Also, if we have a harsh winter you will be able to fill gaps created due to plants that have perished.

Collect seeds on a dry day and write details of seed you are collecting on an envelope before you collect it, with plant name and date collected.

Use secateurs or sharp scissors and remember, it is sometimes easier to collect the whole seed head and pop it straight in the envelope, then you can shake the seed from it without losing any, as some can do an exploding act.

Store in the labelled envelope, in an airtight tin or hang the bags in a cool dry place with good air circulation out of direct sunlight.

Make sure seed is completely dry before storing but also check occasionally to make sure it has not gone mouldy.

Decked out decking

My decking area was looking rather stark and in need of softening with some planting but with full sun for most of the day and no ground to plant into, I needed something that was going to be able to cope with those conditions.

I settled upon honeysuckle against a trellis to fill a gap and some lovely tree palms by the seating area. I bought trachelospermum jasminoides in planters to grow along wires on the back fence with some blue festuca glauca grasses planted under.

Amazing what a difference a bit of greenery can make to an area.