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Should snowdrops be planted in spring in-the-green (after the flowers have died down but when their foliage is still green and lush) or as dry bulbs in autumn? It's a question that divides opinion in even the most prestigious horticultural circles

coloured white, pink, green, mauve or smoky purple. Blooms may be plain or patterned. Plants will self-seed readily. Height/spread 45cm x 30cm.Lenten rose, Helleborus x hybridusProduces pendent, bowl-shaped, green flowers set against spiny, evergreen

, and - in extreme situations - lead to erosion. In the wild, plants quickly colonise exposed earth, protecting its structure and absorbing the nutrients that would otherwise be washed away. A green manure does the same thing; you just have control over what grows

New plants at Chelsea 2008The plant marquee is packed with new, and often awe-inspiring cultivars. Here are some of our favourites from this year's show.Jarava ichu, or Peruvian feather grass, forms mounds of bright green foliage with showy, silver

stripes with age. It rarely flowers, but may produce beautiful pink, puffball blooms. Albizia julibrissin grows to a height of 12m.Albizia julibrissinThe paper-bark maple is a slow-growing small tree with dark green leaves that turn a rich, crimson colour

out of its comfortable pot into some frozen snow-covered ground, but this was a ceremonial planting, which (I hoped) would symbolise the success and glory of my new garden.In March it started to produce lots of healthy foliage and a flower spike

and arching heads of pretty, delicate white flowers. Plant it in sun or part, damp shade (although it will cope with drier conditions).Luzula nivea (Snowy woodrush)Light and airy, with green and cream foliage and pink flowers, Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning

Snowdrops transplant well when they are in leaf and even in flower and the bulbs can also be divided at the same time - a method known as 'in the green'. You can then replant new clumps of snowdrops in other places around the garden; it's a simple

devastate zinnia plants, particularly varieties of Z. elegans.There are many others, including the fiery Z. elegans 'Cactus Orange', burning 'Benaries Red' and pale green 'Envy'.Are zinnias set for a revival, and will you be growing them?

over the years.I know we live in a throw-away society, but no-one should discard moth orchids when the final flower fades and falls. Instead, follow the stem back from its tip to just above a little green scale or nodule. Cut just above