Relaxing in the garden on a hot, drowsy summer day with the bees buzzing from flower to flower paints an almost idyllic picture.

Many people however, can be put off from growing summer flowers because they are not quite sure how to go about it and they think the plants may fail.

It can however, be easier than you think.

We have selected a range ‘easy grow’ flowers that promised to bring a splash of summer colour to your garden no matter how large or small.

For a classic English or cottage garden feel, try not to be too formal. A jumble of brightly coloured flowers and green foliage edging a curving lawn can look a lot more charming (and relaxing on the eye) than something that is over formal with everything in its place and everything in straight lines.

Plants and flowers that are ideal for summer gardens include –

Bellflower – As the name suggests, these pretty flowers have a bell-shaped flower that hangs down, usually in violet or purple.

Cosmos – From green ferny foliage, large, brightly-coloured flowers in reds, pinks, purples and oranges will grow to up to 2m high.

Delphinium – A tall plant that grows a ‘tower’ of blooms, Delphiniums come in a variety of colours (commonly pinks and purples) and they can grow to almost 2m tall.

Forget me not – These small, delicate pale blue flowers with a yellow centre are supported by larger green leafs. Forget me nots grow a few inches high.

Geranium Pelargonium – This hardy border flower loves the sun and produces clusters of small, bright flowers in a variety of colours.

Lamb's Ears – Is a green, low level plant that is grown more for its foliage than its flowers. As its name suggests, the shape of its downy leaves resemble the ears of a lamb.

Lavender – Is a popular garden favourite, producing white, pink, and blue or (more commonly) purple aromatic flowers. The flowers and foliage are often used for making potpourri.

Nasturtum – A low-level but spreading flower, Nasturtums produce yellow, orange and red poppy-like flowers that are surrounded by green leaves.

Marigold – Marigolds give bright yellow or orange flowers that look a little like little a child’s drawing of the sun and grow to a medium height. The petals can be eaten in salads!

Pansies and Viola – Great for spring and early summer, planted in pots or borders, Pansies and Viola bring small bursts of bright colour.

Poppy – A long, thin-stemmed flower with its familiar bright red head, the poppy is a beautiful and symbolic flower.

Sunflower – The splendid, fast-growing sunflower can be a real garden centrepiece and can grow up to 3m tall. However, equally impressive ‘dwarf’ varieties which are ideal for borders are also available.

Remember to take time to research and follow the right planting and growing advice for your plants and, with a little luck, you’ll have an impressive array of blooms bringing scent and colour to your garden throughout the whole of the summer months.