Early blooms are cause to rejoice

Now’s the time when the first flowers of the year really start to make their mark in the garden. It’s wonderful to see different blooms emerge, including the first spring bulbs – though I can’t help thinking some of them may have popped their heads up too soon if there’s more freezing weather on the way! Our feature on page 18 looks at some of the best February flowers – it’s an over-used phrase but they really are the heralds of spring. And after the locked-down winter we have all had, sunnier days can’t get here fast enough. Being in the garden was such a tonic during the first lockdown, and it will be a joy to spend more time outside again, when the weather and daylight allow us! Also, do take a look at our feature on creating lovely pots for late winter (page 24). While beds and borders may want to be left alone a while longer, we can all perk up our patios – a really enjoyable and rewarding task. Carol Klein writes about her love of hellebores in her column this week (page 28); they are truly a delight at this time of year as Carol so eloquently explains. And don’t miss her new TV programme – Gardening With Carol Klein – on Channel 5 at 7pm this Thursday (February 18) with episode two a week later. Both programmes were filmed at Glebe Cottage and include drone footage that I’m sure will help bring her gardens to life for her avid Garden News readers – I for one will be glued to the screen! Whatever jobs you’re planning, have a great gardening week!