They have a delicacy that larger beds and borders can never possess, but they also have charm and elegance when planted up thoughtfully. In larger borders, we are exhorted to plant in generous drifts — fives, sevens, 11s and so on. Geranium 'Patricia' (Image credit: Alamy) A border of Nepeta teamed up with Geranium Patricia and lady’s mantle is proving a winning combination. Alchemilla mollis (Image credit: Alamy) A border of Nepeta teamed up with Geranium Patricia and lady’s mantle is proving a winning combination. Chatsworth: The gardens and the people who made them by Alan Titchmarsh is out now (Ebury, £35).