SPRING calling

Say hello to brighter days with colourful early bulbs

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Early promise

While it's still nippy outside, spring bulbs - like crocus, iris, scilla and daffodils - are shrugging off the cold and responding to the lengthening days by shooting up and putting out flowers. These eager plants are telling us that spring is on its way and sunny days are coming close behind - yes, really! Grow glorious crowds of these bulbs wherever you can for bursts of cheery colour, uplifting wafts of scent, and as a buffet for winter-starved insects.

Little gems 

Jewel-like winter irises emerge in a shock of colour against drab winter landscapes. 'Harmony' is rich violet-blue with splashes of gold on the lower petals, while 'Katherine's Gold' is pale lemon with splashes of yellow and dabs of blue. Neither grow taller than 15cm and, while hardy, they perform best in welldrained soil in the shelter of a dry, sunny wall or rock garden...

Three of the best... early-flowering daffs