Fill the gaps in flower beds with pansies which, if looked after, will continue flowering till after Christmas. Grandiflora Pansies have large blooms, while Multifloras have smaller flowers with many more blooms so that the colour of mass plantings is impressive. They will provide colour throughout winter and summer. Pansies prefer full sun but will also grow in semi-shade. Plant pansy seedlings in well composted soil after digging in superphosphate or bone meal.
Pansies struggle in wet boggy conditions, so plant in well drained containers or raised beds.
Fongarid tablets control root rot fungi, so if drainage is a problem use the tablets when planting. If you are planting in containers, use new potting soil. Do remember to pinch off old pansy flowers as this encourages more blooms. Spray roses against black spot, mildew and rust. Cutting back Fuchsias by one third will encourage the plants to put out some new growth.