Shepherd's Winter Bowl (31cm) Calluna, Hedera, Cyclamen, Polypodium Planter sold by Boma Garden Centre

Shepherd’s Winter Bowl brings a bit of open hillside to your front step. Mixed heather sits at its heart, with a polypody fern for feathery green, two small ivies to spill over the rim and a white cyclamen that catches what light there is on a short winter afternoon. It’s a natural-looking mix, more country walk than formal display, and it holds its own when the rest of the garden has gone quiet.The low bowl shape makes this outdoor planter easy to place. Set it on the front step to greet visitors, on a balcony table you can see from the sofa, or on a courtyard wall where it sits at eye level. It’s wide and settled rather than tall, so it looks at home in small spaces and doesn’t fight with the view.Each one is planted by hand to order at Boma in Kentish Town, so it’s ready to put out and enjoy straight away. A garden plant pot that’s done the work for you, and something cheerful to come home to on a dark evening.