The pot shown here demonstrates how to plant to allow each specimen to be seen at its best. All the plants in this pot can be planted out in the border the following spring:

• The tallest plant is a conifer with soft needles called Cryptomeria “Elgans Compacta” which is slow growing but will eventually reach 3m (10ft)
• A stem of the Chinese Lantern Physalis, with its latern-like fruit has been added to the display in a blue bottle to provide extra colour – replace with other seasonal cut flowers if you wish
• A variegated Euonymus adds a touch of autumn gold. The widely available “Gold Tip” or “Emerald ‘n’Gold” is ideal
• The red-berried Skimmia Reevesiana tumbles over the edge of the pot. If you prefer white berries opt for Skimmia Japonica Fracto-albo

Don’t be afraid to mix different types of plants for strong effects in your autumn pots and containers. Evergreen shrubs will make a strong backdrop for colour flowers, and ornatimental grasses and other foliage plants, such as evergreen eurphorbias, will also give long-lasting colour.

When applied at a depth of 30cm (12 inches) Westland Play Bark will provide protection from falls from a maximum height of 3 metres. For a fall from a maximum height of 2m, bark should be applied at a depth of 20cm (8 inches).

1.  

   Step 1.

   Clear the area where you are setting out for your play area. Dig out any perennial weeds, making sure the taproots of weeds such as dandelions are removed whole. On persistent weeds use Westland Resolva Weedkiller. This is very important, as any small pieces of roots will grow again and push up through the mulch. Annual weeds will be smothered by the bark and will die.

2.  

   Step 2.

   If you want the Play Bark to last longer then spread a layer of planting fabric such as Weed Block over the area first and then apply the bark over the top of this fabric.

3.  

   Step 3.

   Spead the Play Bark over the whole area. Use a 20-30cm layer for best results. 200L of bark will cover about 1m2 at 20cm (8in) deep and should last for up to 3 years.

4.  

   Step 4.

   Check the play area daily and ensure that there is an even coverage of Play Barkover the whole area with a minimum depth of 8 inches, top up with new bark if necessary. Remove any debris and foreign matter that may have appeared in the bark.