Lobelia erinus

Maria Hillen sent in this photo of a Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage. She says she was given it as a little cutting a few months ago and it has shot up with all the rain. Salvia is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and native to the Mediterranean region. Not only is it a useful culinary herb it also has spectacular flowers and earns its place in the border or on the patio on ornamental merit alone. It is also a bee magnet.

Hanging baskets look fabulous in the summer but they need special preparation and after care to keep them that way. The first rule is to use good quality compost. It should contain sufficient fertiliser and trace elements to last several months but it doesn't hurt to mix in some slow release fertiliser to extend its life. At the same time a few handfuls of water-retaining crystals will be of benefit. Use a liner, either plastic or a made-to-measure felt liner from the garden centre as traditional moss is unlikely to survive the summer heat. Next step is to choose the plants. A rule of thumb is one plant per inch of basket so a twelve inch (30cm) diameter basket will need twelve plants. Plants suitable include begonia, impatiens, fuchsia, pelargoniums, carnations, lobelia and petunias. Or be creative and use culinary herbs or low growing succulents. Try to avoid hanging the basket in full sun and preferably shelter it from drying winds. Water regularly and if the basket starts to dry out get a big bowl or bucket and submerge the whole basket for a couple of hours.