I'm going to start by being perfectly honest with you: pansies are not cool. They're not en vogue, and they're certainly not on trend. They don't fit in with Pacifica landscapes, Zen-inspired gardens or clean cut, contemporary back yards.

Yet, pansies remain one of the most popular flowers around. Why? Put simply; they're pretty and practical.

In fact, pansies are one of the easiest flowers to grow. As long as they're planted before the cool weather sets in, they'll survive through rain, wind and even frosts.

As well as being hardy, they're perfect for adding bursts of colour to winter gardens, and make great garden beds and borders. The petals can also be used for a variety of crafts, like potpourri making and pressed flower decorating (not that I do too much of that myself, I might add!).

So, let me tell you how to get started. First, think about your colour scheme. Awapuni has the full spectrum of colours, from blues to yellows to reds, as well as mixed colour varieties. You can select from our range at your local supermarket, Bunnings, or The Warehouse. Or head to our online store and have your seedlings delivered direct to your door.

To plant, choose a spot in the garden that receives morning sun and has good drainage. Spend some time enriching your soil - it will revitalise your garden after a dry summer. I also recommend you boost soil fertility and encourage bright, healthy blooms by adding organic compost and fertiliser. Once that's done, dig a wide, shallow hole for each plant and space the holes 10 to 20 centimetres apart. Make sure the holes are wide enough so the plant's roots don't become cramped. Cover the plant roots with garden soil and give them a good watering, then add a layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds and keep frosts at bay.

If you're after an alternative planting spot, you can't look past a hanging basket. In fact, I can't think of a flower more perfectly designed for this. Just remember not to over water. If you're not sure, put your finger in the soil to test. If it's still moist, don't add any water.

Wherever you choose to plant, you'll be comforted by the knowledge that pansies truly are 'plant and forget' flowers. Just make sure they don't get too dry. Pick the flowers as they fade to encourage more blooms and don't be worried - the more you pick the more you produce! Like I said: pretty and practical.