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Plant hyacinths in a potThe sweet smell of hyacinths is one that lifts the spirit as a sure sign that winter has finally come to an end. Hyacinth bulbs are widely available in a broad spectrum of colours. Whatever their shade, they look spectacular

flower beds, traffic islands and even motorway service stations. Some came to Hackney and planted up concrete troughs around the corner from where I live.In spring, the tulips will provide a dash of unexpected colour, as a cheerful surprise to passers

gives advice on growing exotics from seedGrowing cyclamen from seedPropagating from seeds and berriesBrowse a variety of dahliasChoose spring flowering bulbs

shoots 10cm high, apply sulphate of potash at 100g per square metre.March: Continue weeding and hoeing but take care not to damage bulbs. Planting may continue though bulbs will be smaller.April: Keep up regular watering in dry weather. Use a fungicide

-up liquid to the water to really help it soak in and wet the compost thoroughly.More advice on extending the life of plants How to deadhead flowers.Advice on watering plants.Tips for watering hanging baskets.Feeding your plants.Browse a variety of spring

This rich display has plum tones, which will bring comfort and warmth to a cold winter day. It's easy to plant up and will require no additional effort. For an extra splash of colour in late winter and spring, include a few snowdrop or dwarf

by slugs and snails, and I spent many hours watching blackbirds foraging among the debris.In spring I tackled the garden in one go, removing leaves spiked on emerging bulbs, clearing spent stems and staking perennials. Only the still-sleeping frogs

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

.Sedum spectabileSnowdrops are the first of the spring bulbs to emerge after winter. They prefer heavy soils, and are ideal for naturalising in grass. Transplant them 'in the green' after they have flowered, as dry bulbs do not establish well. Height and spread 15cm

than Allium species. Then they send up tall slender stems (about 1.2m) topped with a tight bud, shaped like a torpedo. Over the next few weeks this bud gets fatter and fatter, while the membrane holding it in gets thinner and more papery. Some of you