I'm dreaming of a..... colourful garden next year

Colour from flower seeds

Mr Fothergill's is possibly the best known seed company in the UK. As gardening experts since 1978, they have a huge choice of seeds, a selection of which are a permanent stock item in our Home & Garden stores. 

With packets available to grow fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers of many varieties, you are assured of top quality seeds. Many are easy to grow, including our selection below.

So whether you are a novice gardener, or have many years' experience, let's look at a few options for making your garden more colourful next year. So, say goodbye to dreaming of a White Christmas, and hello to your colourful garden next summer.

Mixed Hardy Annuals

This fabulous mixed selection of seeds will give you plants in multiple colours from June to October, and can be sown directly into the ground, from March onwards, where you want them to flower.

Ideal scattered around your garden or as drifts amongst your evergreen bushes and herbaceous plants. 

If happy with their environment, these plants may self-seed, gradually moving around your garden, and give you further flowers in future years.

With many favourites including pot marigolds, cornflower, poppies and so much more, these flowers will be happiest in a sunny position in well-drained soil.

With plenty of tall varieties you'll be able to enjoy these in indoor arrangements too.

Powder Puff Blooms

Described as large, soft 'powder puff' blooms with a sweet scent, these hardy annuals should be easy to grow and make great cut flowers.

Sow these seeds indoors in March, or outside where they are to bloom from April. Try these where you will be able to enjoy their scent, perhaps near your patio or along a garden path.

These plants don't mind a little shade and make excellent cut flowers to enjoy indoors.

Long-lasting colour

Who can resist these colourful, happy little flowers? Great for the front of borders, in tubs and baskets, or to fill gaps between younger plants whilst they get established.

Masses of charming flowers with their cheery contrasting faces are produces on neat, compact plants over a long period. 

If you are lucky, these may self-seed or you can gather the seed to start off new sowings indoors for next year. Regular dead-heading will keep these flowers going, and occasional feeding will ensure a great display for many months.

Not just for Remembrance

These poppies are a truly stunning mix of unusual colours, with many double varieties included.

Self-sowing under the right conditions, a light soil will especially suit these short-lived blooms. 

With such stunning shades of pinks, purples, orange and reds these fleeting beauties will brighten your days, without doubt. Spread out your sowing over successive weeks and you will have a display that continues for longer.

Tip: Try turning over bare soil to see if dormant poppy seeds flower in subsequent years.