As much as we'd all love acres of space for a garden, sometimes it's just not possible.Luckily, there are so many great ways of growing the plants you love that don't require much or any outdoor space at all. If your back yard is more tiles and concrete than hills and lawns, why not try using pots, drainpipes, hanging baskets or vertical pallets (google vertical gardens for ideas).

At Awapuni we've got heaps of plants that grow well in minimal space. Lobelia, alyssum or our hanging basket mix are perfect for planting in hanging baskets. Herbs are always a great one to grow in pots - particularly because you can put them near or in the kitchen for easy access.

And another variety I like to grow in pots is stocks. They come in a wide range of colours, are scented and bunch together nicely. Plus they don't attract any insects or pests - which is perfect if you want to keep your pots inside. Awapuni Nurseries sells both pastel and bright coloured stocks in both standard and dwarf versions.

If you're planning on growing them inside, I'd definitely recommend the dwarf variety. Simply pop down to your local supermarket, Bunnings, or the Warehouse and grab some Awapuni Nurseries stock seedlings today. Alternatively, head to our online plant shop and get the plants delivered right to your door.

There's not much to planting stocks in a pot. All you need to do is fill the pot with potting mix, dig a little hole, plant the stock, and repeat until the pot is full.

If you plant them quite tightly once they flower they'll look just like a brightly coloured bouquet - perfect for the coffee table or windowsill.

If you want to plant in a garden bed, stocks will provide instant colour and are perfect companions for lavender, bedded irises, roses, daisies and delphiniums. They all like well-drained, sunny soil and no overhead watering - which transfers several diseases these types of plants are susceptible to.

For best flowering results, pick a spot in full sun, then dig in a little compost, make a small hole, plant and fill in with soil.

Depending on the weather where you are, stocks will take around four to six weeks flower. But if they have trouble flowering, just sprinkle some dried blood from the garden centre to add more potassium to the soil.

Then sit back, wait, and enjoy a brighter home this autumn - so matter the size of your gardens.