KENNETH’S FAVOURITE SPRING PLANTS

Narcissus ‘White Lady’: “I’m very fond of this daffodil, which is quite rare, and found a good supplier down in Cornwall, called Scamp’s Daffodils. We plant them in swathes to come into flower in March and April,” says Kenneth. The stems are tall, and the flowers are scented, with satiny petals surrounding a lemon-yellow cup.

Leucojum aestivum ‘Gravetye Giant’: “These snowflakes come out in spring and flower for six to seven weeks,” says Kenneth. “They are very handsome, with luxuriant foliage, and grow to 2ft high.” They are similar to snowdrops, but flower later; having both provides a double flush of gorgeous white flowers.

Tea crab apple, Malus hupehensis: “This is one of my favourite trees, producing generous amounts of simple white blossom, with large red crabs later on in summer,” says Kenneth. These trees, first discovered in China in 1900, can grow big, with up to a 30ft (9m) wide canopy unless pruned back. The fruit makes delicious crab apple jelly.

Snake’s head fritillary, Fritillaria meleagris: “They like heavy, wet soil and, in the wild, grow in riverside meadows along with cowslips and other wild flowers. They take a long time to establish though, so be patient with them,” says Kenneth. Moisture-loving fritillary bulbs should be planted in autumn, in holes 6-8in (15-20cm) deep and approximately the same width apart. Using a long-handled bulb planter makes the job easier.

Marsh spurge, Euphorbia palustris: “The green flower heads of euphorbia bring a freshness to the beds,” says Kenneth. In Wyken Hall’s Red Hot Border, they are teamed with orange and red tulips, and grow to approximately 3ft (91cm) tall. The plant prefers full sun.