You can plant the hot colours against a soothing background of green, making their colours stand out and sing against the foliage behind. This is often very dramatic if the foliage plants you chose are bold, dramatic plants in their own right. The most striking borders in the new style are planted in this way.
Dark foliage contrasts with & emphasises bright colours
You can opt for a border in solid colour- these borders will dominate any garden space and you should allow for this when planning. You can plan for a hot border in spring, summer or for the late summer into autumn.
Geum montanum, a wonderful edging plant
For a little spice, try some bright, light blues - Plumbago auriculata, Salvia patens or even Meconopsis betonicifolia if you are lucky enough to have the cool climate. These plants will to add contrast and lighten the bold colours you have chosen. Intersperse with the dramatic foliage of cannas, Acanthus mollis and A. spinosus, Melianthus major and others that catch your fancy.
Whatever you do, experiment with combinations of colours and plants, and do try some of the wonderful tender plants that are so successful in our gardens.
