Bloom and bust! Spring ‘to be over in days’

GET into the garden and make the most of spring because it could be over in the blink of eye, the Royal Horticultural Society said last night.

The recent cold, wet weather means plants have remained in bud for longer than normal. And with warmer days forecast there will be a short, intense flowering, as everything reaches its peak.

But the displays will die back in days as summer flowers take over. RHS chief horticulturalist Guy Barter said: “I would urge people to get outside into their gardens or visit green spaces this weekend as spring could be over in the blink of an eye and you really don’t want to miss what’s coming.

“Look out for daffodils – they are usually over by now, but later flowers are still stupendous. Flowering cherries are at their best and with the rain holding off, will be looking sensational.

“Magnolias are flowering late, as are camellias and rhododendrons.

“Usually spring begins in March and lasts until mid-May, so this shorter, condensed spring will create magnificent displays in our gardens, public spaces and roadsides across the UK as everything flowers at once.”

It is also a good time to sow seeds and prepare gardens for the coming season, said Mr Barter.

And he had some words of reassurance for those gardeners who have not yet got into the garden.

“Although it is good to sow seeds and plant in March, plants do little growing until April and peak growth does not occur until June, so there is no need to be downhearted as there will be little difference in summer flowering.”