April 2024 NEW _ Layout 1 04 / 04 / 2024 11:09 Page 26 they are currently being investigated for use within insect repellents . Keep your eyes peeled for wood anemones too . Anemone nemorosa enjoys growing in the shade and shelter of deciduous trees , where their pure white , low-blooming flowers with golden anthers are as beautiful as just about any bloom you could wish to see . plant them in your garden too . Give them a slightly shady spot in moist but well-draining soil and be sure to choose the native Hyacinthoides non-scripta variety rather than the rather invasive Spanish bluebell , Hyacinthoides hispanica . Remember that the bulb is poisonous – these plants were said to have been used by 13th-century monks in the treatment of leprosy and
Cultivated bulbs including tulips are magnificent and this bulb produces the widest range of colours of any other spring-flowering example . From the purest of whites to the darkest purple , there are tulips for every setting – including pots and containers . Not all tulips will come back each year . Although technically perennials , they are often best treated as an annual and replaced . If you want to leave them in situ , be sure to give them feed and mulch , and leave the foliage to die down naturally after flowering so that the bulb energy stores are replenished .
The spring flower that most people would never be without is the daffodil . They light up the month like sunshine . They all belong to the Narcissus genus , but we generally refer to those with larger trumpets as daffodils and the slightly smaller flowers as narcissi . Then there is the jonquil , which has clusters of small , fragrant daffodil-like flowers . Be prepared to leave the foliage for up to six weeks after flowering and don ’ t be tempted to cut , tie or braid the leaves to make them look neater .
Flowering cherry blossom Look up towards the treetops to enjoy the delights of flowering cherries this month . They herald the spring most delightfully . Some cherries are covered in blousy blossom during April , whilst others celebrate the
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