I replanted the kitchen window box three weeks ago and it came into bloom in the sunshine last weekend. All the plants are new with the exception of a helichrysum which has made it through two winters with only a little frost damage to the ends of its long stems. New growth appeared on and off through autumn and winter but once it started in earnest in May, the damaged stems were removed.

With the helichrysum is a rich purple-red flowered osteospermum which contrasts wonderfully with the furry yellow-green leaves. I am very fond of this combination of colours and use it elsewhere in the garden with for example, deep blue and purple flowered sweet pea 'Matucana' climbing through golden hop. Also in the box is a large-flowered white geranium with dark-green foliage, mid-blue flowered brachycombe and in the spaces between the larger plants, dark red, honey-scented allysum and bacopa, a pretty trailing plant covered in tiny white flowers from June until October.

With careful deadheading and an eye kept on the helichrysum which will spread long tentacles into any space available, the box should be in flower until the first frosts.

While the window box is looking good, the same cannot be said for a pot by the front door which was planted with spring bedding in April. A primula is still making a brave attempt at flowering, and it will soon be replaced with blue and white trailing and bush lobelia, and green and white flowered nicotiana.

The nicotiana has been grown from seed and is tall growing N.langsdorfii with drooping sprays of waxy lime green flowers and slightly shorter N.x sanderae 'Fragrant Cloud' with richly perfumed white flowers.

The position is sunny until late morning at this time of year with light shade during afternoon and evening, ideal for both types of plants as well as impatiens which are in the hanging basket above.

Garden news

A specialist plant fair will be held at Nunnington Hall tomorrow from 11am-5pm. Fifteen specialist nurseries from the north of England will be attending, selling a range of rare and unusual garden plants.

Visitors will also be able to see the gardens surrounding the hall where gardener Jan Hoyland is beginning to make her mark. Jan took over two years ago and among other jobs, is gradually filling the shrubby borders with flowering perennials and has mown a meandering path through the meadow.

Normal admission charges apply to the fair - £1.50 per adult for the garden ticket with a reduced rate for children. The hall will also be open at an additional charge. Proceeds will go towards conservation work at Nunnington Hall.