Container planting is perfect for the city gardener as they can fit in small spaces and you can replenish them easily. I also really like the idea of giving children their own containers and getting them to choose their own plants and seeds, with some guidance of course.  This is the highlight activity at the gardening club as it gives each child ownership and responsibility. And sunflowers area favourite for all ages.

Plant herbs in a container - I am lucky to have an old half barrel which my mother-in-law gave me years ago.  It has been slightly abandoned in recent years but last weekend, I cleared the weeds out and replenished the top six inches with bag of container compost and planted small £1.99 pots of mint, oregano, sage, and lemon verbena, along with some nicotiana seedlings from my step-mother. Eh voila!

Edible flowers in a pot - Buy Nasturtium, Viola, Calendula, and Chives and plant these in a container for a colourful patio or balcony.  Pick the flowers and add to salads and suppers as delicious edible garnishes.

Create a "mintery" - This is my new word adopted from the Novell by Kate Atkinson "life after life" where the father has a 'grumpery'.  Mint is such a lively and energetic herb for tea, for pims, for mohitos, and it comes in many varieties, from apple mint to Moroccan mint.  It does not require full sun and works best in a container as it can spread easily and take over.  I sprinkle mint on everything for that fresh zesty flavour especially good on new potatoes, in cous cous and with Asian noodles, in salads, on broad beans with peas and in tzakziki.

Patio fruit trees - My gardening work this summer has taken me into many gardens in west London from wild and unkempt to gorgeous and glamorous.  I have been impressed with the fruit trees in many gardens, especially an apricot tree with deliciously ripe mouthwatering apricots dripping off the tree.  So consider a patio fruit tree and be bold with our microclimate of London where olives, figs and vines thrive and apricot trees bear abundant fruit.

Wildlife and wildflowers - To attract bees and insects and add height to your borders, the spires and domes of foxglove and allium, evening primrose, budlhea and teasel will bring relaxing mauve and yellow hues for a peaceful garden view and get it buzzing with life.

Relax with some grasses - If it is a traditional lawn, or feathery pheasants tail, vibrant carex or the gentle movement of Stipa gigantea, grasses can add movement and contrast to your garden or balcony.  I love watching my son just lounge on our real grass lawn fascinated by some small bug and my daughters spread-eagled on this cool green living carpet. But for patios and balcony gardens, long grasses in containers look great all year round.