Reluctant gardner needs advice re tubs and borders for late summer/autumn

[lilolilmanchester]

I have a big patio space plus a narrow border that need attention. Given the time of year, should I wait til next year to plant? Or can you recommend things I can plant now which will look good through late summer/autumn/beyond? Minimum maintenance preferred!
Thanks in ignorance!

If you want to plant for instant good looks, you probably need to just buy whatever you think looks good in the garden centre. Things aren't going to grow hugely now, so maybe look for things which already look ok, or are about to flower (look for the buds on plants)

Longer term though, what size pots have you got? And is it shady or sunny?

And how big is the narrow border? Is the border quite dry because it's next to a big wall sheltering it?

Get your bulbs in from now on for next year, see this thread

thanks for responding, am just packing for a couple of days away, will get back to you later in the week.....