Spring SHOW

Iknow as much about bulbs as I do about apple trees, but I saw a photo of a swathe of lemon tulips underplanted with snowdrops in a magazine and I have to have one.

Autumn’s good for planting them, but because I live in a warm climate, I’ll have to fool them by putting them in the fridge for a while to fake the chill they need to flower.

I also know to plant them pointy end up, although there are exceptions. Give them a bit of fertiliser and water them regularly from the time the foliage appears.

You can plant them in containers. Prepare several pots and plant one variety in each for a classic display. If you have enough space, plant en masse for real impact. I think I’ve got the perfect spot under the Granny Smith.

HYACINTH The hyacinth provides fragrance as well as flowers and the different coloured blossoms all have their own perfume.

PINK TULIPS & CREAM TULIPS Swathes of heart-stopping pink tulips are the perfect way to herald spring.