Outdoor inspiration: how to get flower power at home

Rose glow

There are few flowers that will give your garden better flower power than the rose. This long-flowering classic comes in myriad varieties, masses of colours, as a bush, shrub or climber, and in fragrant or non-fragrant types.

Jody D'Arcy

Group session

For show-stopping impact, plant in hedges or en masse to draw the eye, but avoid thorny varieties if planting near a path or verandah.

Damien Pleming

Pretty in pink

Feed, feed, feed for optimum floral fabulousness. Add rose food once a month during the flowering season, which generally runs through summer and autumn, and deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms. Prune each winter.

Jody D'Arcy

Scent-sational

Enlist fragrant varieties to stimulate the senses. Plant in a sunny spot under a window, around an outdoor room or grow over arbours or architecture for a stunning display.

John Downs

Colour me happy

Choose plants that will complement your home's style and colour scheme. White and pastel tones suit traditional or Victorian facades, while bold colours can work well with a more modern scheme.

Gorta Yuuki

Bring it inside

Roses make wonderful cut flowers. Water the night before picking and snip blooms first thing in the morning, to enjoy them at their best and put minimum stress on the blooms. Rather than strip one bush, select a few from a range of plants to keep your garden glorious. 

For tips on creating a gorgeous floral arrangement, click here.

Chris Warnes