Gardener’s notebook

Gardening editor Paula Mcwaters tells you how to get the best from your plot in April

Windflowers or wood anemones form a starry carpet beneath trees or shrubs. As well as the usual white varieties, look out for beautiful blue ones, including dainty Anemone nemerosa ‘Royal Blue’, a strong grower. £6.50 for a 9cm pot, Beth Chatto (01206 822007; bethchatto. co.uk).

Spring has always meant one thing to me: flowering trees. I am a sucker for a Japanese cherry tree, often lingering to savour the beauty of one bursting into blossom. A new discovery for me last April, growing as a street tree, was Prunus ‘Ukon’. It has an unusual pairing of creamy white blossoms with sun-catching coppery foliage, which is a winning combination. Another cracking variety with bronzed young leaves is Prunus ‘Shirofugen’. This one has two-tone flowers, which open white and gradually turn baby pink. Pippin Trees has a useful guide to choosing a cherry tree, based on size and habit – both important considerations (pippintrees.co.uk). Crab apples have the added bonus of fruit in autumn, so I’m determined to plant one. I’m torn between Malus ‘Evereste’, a white-flowered one with large flushed orangeyred fruits, and Malus x floribunda, with pink and white blossom, then golden yellow fruit. It’s decision time. Follow Paula’s progress on Instagram @paulalifeandsoil.