In this workshop we examine the use of plants to create different effects in your garden. We contrast the historic severity and restraint of French planting design with the English love of flowers and colour, both restrained and exuberant. We review some of the exciting planting styles being created today – flowering meadows, prairie plantings and purely perennial gardens- as well as the ground rules for more restrained plantings. From this I hope you will gain an awareness of some of the many exciting new plants available and derive some ideas for achieving your own successful planting style.