Hey everyone! I've just kicked off my gardening journey and recently planted some violas and pansies using plugs. I want to fill my garden with more flowers, but I'm unsure what additional varieties I can plant as plugs in August. I've heard that many may not survive the winter. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
I just added a few roses to my garden, and they're really a beautiful addition for spring and summer! They bring so much color and life to the garden. Plus, I've had success combining them with peonies and camellias—there’s a saying that 'roses love company,' and mine seem to thrive alongside other flowers. For what it’s worth, I think cosmos are lovely too, and if you’re keen on cut flowers, dahlias are fantastic and look great from your window! Don't hesitate to sketch out your garden’s orientation when you visit a garden center—they'll help you pick the perfect plants!
Where in the UK are you located? That can really influence your flower choices since conditions vary a lot. For example, if you’re situated in the hills of Scotland, your plant selections would be different than if you're in London. Violas and pansies actually do pretty well in winter and some even bloom throughout the colder months, especially if they're shaded. Just something to keep in mind!
You should definitely consider adding some perennials since pansies and violas are mostly annuals and won't come back next year. Hardy geraniums are a great choice, plus they bloom nicely! If you’re cool with planting some bulbs in the autumn, options like snowdrops, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths will brighten your garden in spring. Don’t forget about salvias—they're long-lasting! For some height, look into climbers like jasmine or clematis. You could also plant some dwarf shrubs like buddleia or hydrangeas. Visiting a local garden center can really help, especially if you share what kind of sunlight and soil you have. They’ll steer you in the right direction! Oh, and check out gardening shows for even more ideas!

I’m in the East of England, so hopefully, that helps! Any more specific recommendations for that area?