Annual begonias can make a good display in a planter. Not all planters are as tall as this.

This specimen in a public park was one of five in a row outside an orangery. The column of pots was over twelve feet tall and had a similar circumference. The plants were probably Begoinia Fuchsio that had grown over all but the top bowl of the columnar planter.

The variety most likely to be used in planters is Begonia semperflorens with its waxy bronze or green foliage. They can be grown from very fine seed to produce the fibrous roots of most plants. They are not to be confused with tuberous-rooted begonias or the angel-wing begonias with hollow stems.

Begonia sutherlandii with an AGM is suitable for hanging baskets as a foliage plant or for the clusters of small orange flowers.

At Holland Park in London this week end there was also a good show of roses even though the first flush was being pruned. Pruning seems to be one of the skills the gardeners had spent a lot of time and effort to master. Many shrubs and trees displayed the benefit of the skills. There was a area of young Acers that will develop into a colourful show over the next years. They were well protected from wind and excessive sunshine ( although the sun was the least of the problems on this wet weekend). This is one of the many less known London Parks and it is well worth visiting