Plant violets in grass

Sweet violets (Viola odorata) are one of spring’s greatest pleasures. If you’ve ever smelled one, you’ll be keen to add some of these beauties to your garden! They do like to spread (by runners, like strawberries), but it's easy to curb their ambitions by simply pulling them out.

✿ Buy plugs from a specialist. Look online for retailers offering seed or plugs. ✿ Choose the right spot. Find a patch in sun or part shade – they’re happiest under deciduous trees but can be naturalised in long grass too.

✿ Deadhead for more flowers Removing seedheads will keep them blooming.