Bounties of bulbs
Lilies Pots of lilies are great value and an easy way to bring colour to your patio or the border in sun or part shade. Not only will they bring weeks of colour instantly, they’re easy to grow and last for years. Just make sure they’re kept moist after flowering so they stay green for as long as possible to build up the bulbs and don’t cut the foliage back after blooming. Oriental lilies – the big ones with the strongly fragrant flowers – must have ericaceous compost, so if your soil is limey you must keep them in pots of lime-free compost.
Curcumas Sometimes called Siam tulips, these ginger relatives add an exotic touch to your patio. The tall stems carry heads of large, colourful bracts with small, orchid-like flowers between. They’ll last many weeks if placed in a sheltered, sunny spot. Keep them well watered. The roots can be kept for another year if protected from frost.
● All plants available from large, well-stocked garden centres nationwide, or widely available online.