One of the best things about is that the smallest things can make a big difference to your outdoor space: , new plant pots, , or even some . But most people would agree that the thing that stands out most in a is the natural colour of .

Whether you're looking to expand your herb garden, patch or fill beds and borders with , there's plenty that you can start growing in May and June in the UK, according to the Royal Horticultural Society. The RHS said: "The joy of pot-raised is that they can be planted, with care, at any time of the year. Keep them well-watered through the summer, and they will reward you for years to come."

Anyone looking to inject instant colour into their garden can't go wrong with roses. In the UK, the flowers typically bloom with impressive volume and colour from late spring to early autumn, and they're known for their strong fragrance.

According to David Austin Roses, roses flower "more abundantly than almost any other garden plant" and will provide colour "right through the summer months and beyond"- some may flower right up until the first frosts.

The RHS suggests the Rosa Bonica 'Meidomonac' variety, which is a repeat-flowering modern shrub rose with fragrant pink flowers from July to September.

Container-grown roses can be planted in the garden at any time of year, and keeping them in pots allows you to position them exactly at the right height to appreciate their scent.

Wherever you choose to plant them, make sure roses have a sunny spot with ample space to grow.

Verbena bonariensis is a summer border staple with its delicate purple blooms atop tall, thin stems, but the RHS notes that many varieties flower just as abundantly all summer.

For example, Verbena rigida grows to around 40cm, making it a great front-of-border plant or container addition. Its wiry stems make it easy to grow between other flowers, and it blends seamlessly with climbing roses or ornamental sage like salvia.

Gardening maestro Sarah Raven says she "loves" rigida varieties more than bonariensis because it is compact and self-seeding. Plus, it reliably flowers from one year to the next.

Plant these tough perennials in windy spots for bold clusters of purple flowers. They are relatively long-lasting, as many retain seedheads through winter, offering food for birds.

Sage is often thought of as a fragrant herb, but the RHS recommends the ornamental kind for those seeking an impressive, long-lasting garden display.

The large sage family includes the edible variety and many beautiful salvias, which make long-lasting border and container plants through summer and into autumn.

Plant salvias in May and early June to fill gaps in garden borders. They can also be strategically placed among other colourful flowers like lobelia and marigolds. Salvias prefer well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy, consider adding horticultural grit or sand to improve drainage.

To prolong flowers from Salvia Amistad, the RHS notes that deadheading is essential. Simply remove all faded or dead flowers from plants as they appear. It could keep the plant bright and full into the winter if done correctly.