Woman picking fresh lemon from tree, Ischia Island

Fan-flowers are tougher than they look and reward gardeners with colour and wildlife-friendly blooms.

Autumn foliage can be just as eye-catching as flowers, filling gardens with warm colour, texture and drama.

These highly nutritious crops thrive in cool weather and may reward gardeners with a harvest in as little as six weeks.

Red-flowering broad beans will enliven your vegie patch and freshly picked beans are delicious, writes Jackie French.