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poppies appears early in the year, forming neat rosettes. It is overtaken by spring performers such as tulips, anchusa and sweet rocket.But suddenly, without warning, the poppy thrusts up fat buds, wreathed in hairy cases until, one morning, the first case

by planting bulbs. Try daffodils and crocus (tulips don’t grow well in grass) and don’t mow for six weeks after flowering, as this gives the leaves time to return nutrients to the bulb.Plant bulbs in your lawnBare patches can develop where a lawn is regularly

. Flowers in March and April.'Spellbinder'If you want a classic daff with bright, golden trumpets and a delicate scent, then 'Dutch Master' is for you. It's perfect for Easter vases, growing 45cm tall and flowering in April. Plant in drifts to break up

called Panicum 'Rehbraun', planted with Cosmos 'Dazzler' and the fabulous Tithonia rotundifolia (pictured, top) that are bushy and wonderful, but I completely forgot to plant anything for spring: no tulips, no alliums, no nothing. As a result I had

level will rejuvenate it and, though it seems brutal, will allow the plant a fresh start. Once again there will be neat rosettes and, with luck,a few more flowers in late summer. More on growing ornamental poppiesMake a nettle feed in a container

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