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iris that develops into a tight clump within a few years. Mine hasn't been divided for some time, so when the weather warms up in spring I really must lift the whole clump and split it up before replanting. There will probably be enough to give away a

petals. I think it's called 'St Ewe', but I wouldn't put money on it. Yes, so delicate for winter, but the warm weather had coaxed it out of hibernation to cheer me up.It's a reminder that spring is just around the corner, but don't assume things can

 and John Innes No.3 loam-based compost. All this weight provides extra stability to prevent the trees catching the wind and toppling over. These acers are no more demanding than any plants in pots, and just need regular watering and feeding.The foliage

plants in spring. Honesty can be established to ensure new seedlings every year, much as you would with other biennials, such as foxgloves.Honesty is well worth a place in any garden – I’d recommend adding it to your seed order right away. You’ll find

to be irresistible. Those open boxes of loose bulbs just aren't the same. They may be a bit cheaper, but pictorial packs provide something to focus on while waiting for the bulbs to bloom.Last spring I bought a wonderful new variety of lily called 'Strawberry & Cream

through to late-spring under cover, whether in the greenhouse or on a windowsill. All of them appreciate the extra light outside in the summer garden. For stability, all are potted into terracotta pots, as plants in plastic ones blow over far too easily

More gardeners choose pansies and violas as their favourite bedding plant than any other flower.These brightly coloured flowers with their cheerful faces brave the very worst of our weather to put on displays during winter and spring, and voting

Christmas is fast approaching, and perfume houses will soon be tempting us to buy fragrances for our nearest and dearest. No doubt they'll do a roaring trade, but to my mind natural perfume can't be beaten. Fragrant plants and flowers add another

most of them a second thought. Well, that's why I planted them in the first place – to be reliable performers that look after themselves.The problem with leaving perennials alone is that the central parts of plants grow less productive over time

.So, what's left? Thankfully, I was tempted to buy a couple of hardy evergreen ferns from Fernatix while at Gardeners' World Live a few years ago and now, planted in tall terracotta pots, they take pride of place on my patio during winter.Ferns have rotten