The formation of spatial and temporal patterns is an essential component of organismal development. Patterns can be observed on every level from subcellular to organismal and may emerge from local rules that correspond to the interactions between molecules, cells, or tissues. The emergence of robust patterns may seem in contradiction with the prominent heterogeneity at subcellular and cellular scales, however it has become increasingly clear that heterogeneity can be instrumental for pattern formation. Here we review recent examples in plant development, involving genetic regulation, cell arrangement, growth and signal gradient. We discuss how patterns emerge from local rules, whether heterogeneity is stochastic or can be patterned, and whether stochastic noise is amplified or requires filtering for robust patterns to be achieved. We also stress the importance of modelling in investigating such questions.