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Dog violets, Viola riviniana, appeared almost as soon as I laid the topsoil of my new garden. They’ve been here for three years now, slowly bulking up in corners where nothing else grows.They thrive in the shadiest parts of my garden, flowering just

The Victorians knew their plants, and the gorgeous hot water plant, achimene, was one of their favourites. Who can resist the charms of this little beauty, a relative of the African violet and Cape primrose. I'm a great fan of the gesneriad family

, bumblebees prefer to nest in messy gardens (although they will feed anywhere with suitable flowers), so I want to give nest-searching queens the illusion that I don't garden at all. The grass will grow long, the borders will rot into themselves

, according to Chief Horticultural Advisor Guy Barter. The growing season is getting longer, and plants are simply taking advantage.I don't know if my spring-flowering cherry is blooming late, or early. But not only is it in flower, it's also produced a second

and shelter for insects.Many bat species eat moths, so grow nectar-rich plants, including honeysuckle, night-scented stock and evening primrose, to attract them. Crane flies are also an important food source. (This pleases me. I have loads of crane flies in my

(and therefore the species that rely on them) is to provide them with breeding habitats. Unlike butterflies, which have quite specific breeding requirements, moths seem less fussy. I've found caterpillars on my foxgloves, primroses and valerian, and I

(Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) parrot's feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), New Zealand pigmyweed or Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii), water primrose (Ludwigia grandiflora) and water fern, (Azolla filiculoides). If left unchecked, these non

with seasonal fillers, a container can provide colour throughout the year.Containers also give you the opportunity to grow plants that wouldn't otherwise thrive in your garden. Those with chalky alkaline soils can grow acid-loving plants in ericaceous compost

and tulips reappear.Grow bluebells from seedCarol's tips for buying bulbsOnly buy bulbs from a reputable bulb merchant, garden centre or nursery, to ensure they haven't been taken from the wild. When buying from bulb catalogues, place your order early. Plan