Bed in a Box

Bed in a Box is 'gardening by numbers' and an incredibly good idea. This planting plan in a box is geared towards the novice and keen gardenener who is short on time. The brainchild of Jane Hamblin of Land Army Designs, who has designed over 150 gardens in the last ten years, the recipient of one of her kits gets all the experience of a designer at a fraction of the cost.

There are five designs, which contain a mixture of shrubs and perennials and bulbs, designed for a minimum space of 5m x 5m in an open, sunny aspect, which could tolerate some shade. The box contains Jane's planting plans, her weed suppressant templates, full planting instructions, a notebook and pencil, all presented in a wooden briefcase. The cost is a snip at £55.

All the plants that Jane suggests can be found at garden centres. Failing that, all you need do is email her and she will supply the names of substitutes.

As the site says, 'The fitted kitchen of gardens.'