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I've always been a great fan of bulbs, in all their shapes and sizes. I couldn't get through the winter without snowdrops, and the prospect of daffodils, heralding spring. But right now, in (a rather cold and wet) May, alliums are centre stage

Looking at the bulb catalogue that is sitting on my desk as I write, I see that there are no fewer than one hundred and sixty one varieties of allium.These vary from the tall to the short, the deep purple to pale pink. Some have heads the size

Alliums are spectacular plants and it's worth saving a few seeds to sow in the spring to grow some more for the garden. The seeds will germinate quickly and reach flowering size in a couple of years.SecateursPaper envelopesSeptember - October20

Watch Sarah Raven's video demonstration of how to plant allium bulbs in the dry garden at Berryfields, with advice on the ideal location, soil condition, and planting depth.autumnMore advice on growing alliumsHow to collect allium seeds

Follow Monty Don's guide to planting onions, shallots and garlic, with tips on soil preparation, drainage and compost.springMore advice on growing alliumsRead Lila Das Gupta's blog on growing garlicHarvesting garlicPlanting out leeks

Monty Don demonstrates how to plant heritage variety shallots in a container, offering advice on drainage and planting depths.springMore advice on growing alliumsHow to harvest garlicGrowing onions and garlicPlanting out leeksTips on growing garlic

Monty Don demonstrates how to lift garlic without damaging the bulbs, offering tips for drying and storing.summerMore advice on growing alliumsRead Lila Das Gupta's blog on growing garlicGrowing garlic practical projectMonth's advice on Growing

.Nectaroscordum grows from a bulb, and is part of the allium (or onion) family. In fact it used to be called Allium bulgaricum until the nomenclaturists stepped in a few years ago. While I'm always smitten by the spherical flowers of most alliums (for example the tennis

Carol Klein explains how to hand-pollinate hellebores and guides you through the process, offering practical tips and advice.springMore advice on propagating plantsCarol Klein demonstrates how to cross-pollinate daffodils.Collecting allium seeds

I’m going to plant my bulbs earlier this year, to avoid disturbing any hibernating creatures in colder weather. I've just bought 20 winter aconites, 20 Nectaroscordum siculum, and the Gardeners’ World magazine offers: 100 free alliums and 160