In the garden

Seasonal ideas for your outdoor space

A SAFE ABODE

Solitary bees, such as Leafcutter or Red Mason bees, are in dramatic decline due to chemical use and habitat loss. Inspired by a desire to reintroduce these vital pollinators, Cornish company Green&Blue makes nesting bricks. Each brick is designed with moulded cavities, where bees can safely lay their eggs and seal the entrance with mud or vegetation for protection. The brick should be positioned in a warm, sunny south-facing spot at least 3ft (1m) above ground.

Bee Brick £30, www.greenandblue.co.uk

BILLOWS OF BLUE

Camassias are a vigorous flowering perennial that grow in abundance during spring. Each stem is adorned with a plethora of starry-shaped, violet-blue flowers that blanket gardens in an ocean of colour. Once matured, there can be up to 100 blooms on each stem, growing to heights of between 12in (30cm) and 50in (127cm). They do well in full sun or dappled shade and make excellent ground cover for meadow and woodland gardens. On a late spring evening, as amber light filters through a canopy of fresh leaves, the flowers are bestowed a luminosity. The garden becomes a momentary scene of contrasts that is fleeting; gone with the fading day.

DELICATE CROWN

Tall perennials, fruit-bearing plants and those with a heavy blossom load often need extra support to help with growth and keep the plant healthy. An effective means of providing this is to use a cat’s cradle, placed above the new shoots. Sturdy sticks should be cut to the desired height and pushed into the soil so they surround the plant. Thin string is wound randomly between them to create a cradle. As the plant matures, it will discreetly cover the cradle while being well supported. Adding the support early in the growth period will help to prevent any damage to the plant as it develops.

ALLURING SCENT

A gentle breeze ripples the clustered plumes of a lilac bush, wafting their sweet and heady fragrance into the air. The dense panicles of flocculent blossoms grow in profusion during late spring; an ephemeral beauty that fades after just a few weeks. According to Greek mythology, the botanical name, Syringa vulgaris, derives from the nymph Syringa, who transformed herself into a fragrant lilac bush to escape the affections of Pan, the god of forests and fields. Purple lilacs are considered to symbolise the first emotions of love, while white represents youth. They make excellent cut flowers, and piled into a wicker basket, their irresistible abundance can be enjoyed.

NATURAL PROTECTION

Late spring is the ideal time to add mulch to borders and flower beds. Mulching is the process of covering the surface of cultivated soil with compost, leaf mould, bark chippings or manure. This helps to retain moisture, protect roots and prevent weeds. Once the soil is warm, any stones or weeds are removed from the border or bed. The soil should also be moist. A layer of mulch is then applied, approximately 2in (5cm) thick. Care should be taken not to cover low-growing plants. A ring of mulch can be added to the base of newly established plants to aid growth, with space left around the stems. The area is then raked to finish.

NATURE’S ARTISTRY SUSPENDED IN GLASS

Intricate seedheads are captured in glass, strung from a garden hedge. Each is hand cut by artist Avril Edwards, working from her home studio in Worcestershire. Measuring approximately 118cm in length, the bunting comprises twine looped through copper rings, held within the glass. As spring light shines through the casing, the pretty decoration shimmers.

Dandelion Glass Bunting £29, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WhimsicalFusing