Plant up a rainbow

AFTER a long winter, the first bulbs bursting into flower lift the whole garden, and September is the ideal time for planting most spring bloomers.

- DAVID DOMONEY

This is because the soil is warm, rain returns and roots establish quickly. A single afternoon with a trowel sets the stage for months of colour.

What to plant now

Put in daffodils for brightness in borders, banks and pots. Choose early, compact 'Tête-à-Tête' for containers, 'February Gold' for borders, or 'Thalia' for a calm look. Add crocuses to naturalise through grass or under shrubs.

Crocus tommasinianus spreads well and is less tempting to squirrels.

Hyacinths bring scent to doorways and pots too. Try 'Delft Blue' or 'Jan Bos' for strong colour.

Muscari knits at the front of beds and beneath roses. Muscari armeniacum is dependable. Iris reticulata 'Harmony' and 'Pixie, plus 'Katharine Hodgkin, give jewel-like blues in late winter.