have acknowledged the arrival of the new season . Tree leaves haven ’ t yet blocked out the light , giving bulbs free rein over the base surface of the garden .
Insects also enjoy spring flowers such as crocuses , fritillaries , chionodoxa , daffodils , tulips , and hyacinths . They provide vital nectar and pollen sources for invertebrates at a time when little else is available .
There are , of course , some shrubs and perennials in flower during early spring too . Hellebores love this time of year , with varieties flowering from Christmas through to April . They are happy in a shady spot but dislike extremes , such as very dry or extremely wet soils , or full sun .
Rhododendrons and Azaleas are also bursting with blousy blooms , providing flowers from December to June – depending on the variety . They like ericaceous
– acidic – soils , as do Camellias , heathers , blueberries and some hydrangeas .
If you ’ re not sure of the pH of your own soil , which reveals where it falls on the scale of acid to alkaline , there are simple testing kits available . Or simply look around your neighbourhood to see what grows well .
Don ’ t miss the astonishing yellow splash of Forsythia , which should begin to bloom later in March , depending on the weather . Also look out for Bergenia , known as elephant ’ s ears , an evergreen perennial which sends up the most glorious flower spikes of pink , red , purple and white , according to variety .
By Caroline Knight
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