Let’s be more specific, I’m not talking about a border for hot places but, following on from my post about white gardens, I thought I would talk about creating a bright border of hot, strong, often clashing colours. It’s very un-English and some would say these schemes are totally unsuited to our delicate skies but the great Christopher Lloyd proved otherwise in his brilliant exotic garden at Great Dixter

and Monty Don calls his take on the theme his Jewel Garden.
There are several variations on this theme you can play with – at Hidcote Manor Lawrence Johnston created a red border.
And then there’s just sheer zing!

These borders come into their own later in the season, so they are perfect for anyone who knows they have more time to spend in the garden during August and September. If you don’t want to risk a whole border you can ply with clashing bright colours in pots – you may be converted by their jolly joie de vivre.
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