Depending on where in the world you garden, one of the most important things to know is - whether the perennial plant you have chosen for your English Garden will survive through your winters.

In England plants are referred to as

• Hardy which means plants that can stay alive even when temperatures go down to -15°C or 5°F
• Frost hardy – means plants that can withstand temperatures down to -5°C or 23°F
• Half-hardy - means plants that can survive when temperatures go down to 0°C or 32°F
• Tender means plants that can only survive above temperatures of 5°C or 41°F

These are general guidelines because if a plant is in a protected or sheltered spot it might well survive lower temperatures.

Hardy-annuals such as Sweet peas, Love-in-a-mist and Nasturtiums can survive the cold, so you sow them outdoors in spring and not worry about the cold.

Tender perennials such as Marguerites, pelargoniums or fuchsias, must be placed out of harms way - in a heated green house or indoors.

Half-hardy annuals such as Cosmos, Lobelia or Petunias will die if left outside in the cold, so they can't go into your garden until there is absolutely no likelihood of frost.

For info on hardiness zones in America click here or try this site

For European countries click here . This site also includes maps of both the USA and Australia

For info on the hardiness zones in China

Enjoy your English Garden