Plant bulbs now for A SPLASH OF SPRING COLOUR

Brighten your garden come spring with a two-tone display of tulips - autumn is the perfect time to plant up and get busy

- TERESA CONWAY

Tulips are the absolute stars of spring and are available in such an incredible range of colours, from classic red, yellows and pinks, to dramatic dark shades for more contemporary looks. And by planning ahead and planting up a container or two of bulbs now, you'll have a colourful display of blooms to brighten up a doorstep or patio come the springtime.

We selected a deep pinky-purple bulb, 'Pink Parrot' and a gorgeous white variety 'Diana'. Planted side by side they will create impact with a strong monochromatic palette.

Leave your pot in a sheltered spot which gets a good amount of sun. As an additional guard against hungry foraging squirrels, fit some chicken wire over the tulip bulbs once they're planted. It's also a good idea to plant up a couple of spare pots of any leftover tulip bulbs in case of no-shows next spring.

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