This month we should see a downward movement in temperature.

With that comes the opportunity to do some planting, especially the wide range of annuals which will add colour through the cooler months of the year.

Herbs can also be planted at this time and can be part of a mixed planting or simply as a stand-alone group, either in the ground or in pots.

Though labour-intensive, annuals do offer relief as other plants slow their growth and flowering capabilities. Annuals are usually purchased in cell packs, which are rather small, therefore the plant itself is smaller than it would be in PDQ packaging.

The former is cheaper than the latter, but size of plant in relation to container size is important for several reasons. If the seedling in a cell pack is too small it is likely to have a greater chance of being attacked by cut worms or infected by a stem rot. Should the latter happen, it can then spread to other plants in the area of infection and quickly wipe them out.

When planting seedlings from cell packs it is advisable to remove the seedling by holding the seed leaf as it is removed from the cell. Do not hold the stem as that causes bruising to the cell structure and leads to stem rot. When planting, make a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole so the soil is the same level as the top of the root ball. Then gently firm the area, using your fingers not your thumbs as the pressure is greater with thumbs and can break the root ball or bruise the stem.

Gently water the surrounding soil with a watering can or a hose with a rose attachment. Planting from PDQs is similar in delivery, but usually these plants are more established than those in cell packs.

It is important when purchasing annuals in either cell packs or PDQ packs to check health and plant status in general.

Healthy plants should have no sign of insect activity or leaf/stem liaisons, which would indicate disease.

Their appearance should be of young, active growth with no stunted characteristics in relation to container size. Stems and foliage should not be too soft and certainly not showing signs of too much firmness.

To check if roots are in good condition and the plant is not pot-bound, gently remove from it from the pot.

Selection of type should, within reason, be based on your location though seedlings in general will not tolerate salt spray or severe wind damage and lower growing plants tolerating wind more than taller types.

It is also wise to determine the height and spread of plant type in order to plant at the correct distance apart; if too close, the opportunity for disease can be increased owing to poor air circulation between plants. When choosing types of annuals, consider such factors as longevity of the flowers, leaf shape and leaf texture, leaf and flower colour and, of course, height.

Alyssum, lobelia and ageratum are examples of very low growing plants with petunias and pansies being the next level up followed by antirrhinum, Bells of Ireland, cleome, salvia and larkspur.

Herbs are also very attractive in mixed beds — with annuals or other herbs — or as a stand-alone group. Consider types that you use whilst also considering the aesthetic value of flowers — leaf colour and leaf shape. Herbs generally last longer than annuals, many types being herbaceous, so information of each type is important in the arrangement of design, which in essence gives the effect and visual impact.