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I'm a sucker for summer-flowering bulbs, and at this time of year I always get carried away. March is an expensive month — I'm often tempted to order far too many summer bulbs from both mail-order companies and the internet.I use the term 'bulb

Most lily bulbs are sold in spring, although some, such as Lilium candidum, are sold in the autumn. This is a time when mould can thrive, so check them carefully when you buy to make sure there are no signs of it - an infected bulb can easily spread

A fungal disease weakens the plant and can seriously reduce its flowering performance. The brown spots eventually grow together and develop grey centres. Infection is caused by air or water-borne spores entering the plant through damaged leaves

Scarlet beetles (6mm - 8mm long) with black heads eat the leaves, flowers and seedpods of lilies and other members of the lily family. Don't mistake them for ladybirds. Between April and September the beetles lay eggs on the undersides of leaves

Follow Rachel de Thame's video advice on planting irises, with tips on drainage, positioning and when to divide them.summerMore advice on growing irisesDividing irisesCreating an iris container displayDealing with iris leaf spotLayering bulbs in a

Follow Rachel de Thame's video advice on planting up a container of summer-flowering bulbs, with advice on choosing healthy bulbs, planting depths and protection from frost.springMore advice on planting bulbsLayering bulbs in a potPlanting lily

take a couple of years for them to establish, your patience will be rewarded with an abundance of flowers. April - MayJuly - September20 minutes to plant the bulbsAgapanthus bulbs x2Large, square terracotta potCrocksMulti-purpose compostCover the bottom

with the evergreen foliage of libertia.all year roundApril - August20 minutesCrocosmia 'Irish Dawn' x2Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' x1Libertia ixioides 'Goldfinger' x1Celosia caracas x3Terracotta pot, 45cm diameterMulti-purpose compostSlow-release fertiliserPlace a

single variety, planted in large drifts.In damp areas, try planting snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris), an early flowering bulb that looks stunning when naturalised in grass.Bulbs or corms, such as daffodils or crocusLawn-edging tool

seed.Planting marsh orchids in borders.Creating an exotic container display.Choose summer flowering bulbsBrowse plants by flower colour