Were snowdrops to flower in August, you'd hardly notice them. But when they appear in mid-winter - pure white among the gloom - you know that spring must be coming soon. You can put in snowdrops when green and leafy, in winter, or in autumn as dry bulbs.
A fondness for phlox: American beauties bring colour and sweet scent to
A waft of border phlox and suddenly I'm 12 years old again, looking for a tennis ball among waisthigh perennials, writes Nigel Colborn.
Gardening big picture gallery
A waft of border phlox and suddenly I'm 12 years old again, looking for a tennis ball among waisthigh perennials, writes Nigel Colborn.
WINDOW SHOPPING...TOP GARDEN POTS
Click on images for more info...
DISTRESSED DECOR
Create a rustic feel in your garden with this short distressed pot. Brimming with character, pop an eye catching plant in or leave it to stand alone. £25, French Connection
Create a rustic feel in your garden with this short distressed pot. Brimming with character, pop an eye catching plant in or leave it to stand alone. £25, French Connection
ROYAL PLOT
Give your garden a regal touch with these Kew Gardens pots. £34-£45 Not on the High Street
Give your garden a regal touch with these Kew Gardens pots. £34-£45 Not on the High Street
HERBIVORE
These charming little rustic pots are perfect for growing herbs. £6-£12 Anthropologie
These charming little rustic pots are perfect for growing herbs. £6-£12 Anthropologie
OIL JAR
This large oil jar will make a great stand-out piece in any garden. £695, Pots and Pithoi
This large oil jar will make a great stand-out piece in any garden. £695, Pots and Pithoi
PRETTY POT
This turquoise pot adds a lovely pop of colour to a summer garden. Was £8 now £5.60, Habitat
This turquoise pot adds a lovely pop of colour to a summer garden. Was £8 now £5.60, Habitat
PATTERNED POT
With a fabulous, decorative pattern adorned across the front of this planter. It's perfect for adding a luxurious feel to your interior. Place your favourite shrub or plant inside to create a natural finish. £15, John Lewis
With a fabulous, decorative pattern adorned across the front of this planter. It's perfect for adding a luxurious feel to your interior. Place your favourite shrub or plant inside to create a natural finish. £15, John Lewis
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
Click on images for more info...
BEAUTIFUL BUNTING
Get your garden celebration ready with this outdoor bunting from Oily Rag. £35, Oily Rag at John Lewis
Get your garden celebration ready with this outdoor bunting from Oily Rag. £35, Oily Rag at John Lewis
KEEPING TOASTY
Keep warm after dark with Ikea's Broko fire basket. £25, Ikea
Keep warm after dark with Ikea's Broko fire basket. £25, Ikea
TABLE TOPPER
You can't go wrong with an oil cloth table cloth when it comes to dining alfresco and when it comes to oil cloth you can't go wrong with Cath Kidston. £22 per metre, Cath Kidston
You can't go wrong with an oil cloth table cloth when it comes to dining alfresco and when it comes to oil cloth you can't go wrong with Cath Kidston. £22 per metre, Cath Kidston
LAZY LOUNGER
This dirt and water repellent bean bag from Fatboy is perfect from garden lounging and a spot of sun bathing. £219, Fatboy
This dirt and water repellent bean bag from Fatboy is perfect from garden lounging and a spot of sun bathing. £219, Fatboy
NON-FLYING CARPET
The ancient art of the kilim rug inspired the design of the Non-Flying Carpet, however this rug from Fatboy is far from traditional. With its wipe clean surface it makes a great outdoor mat for kids to sit to avoid dirty bums. £149, Fatboy
The ancient art of the kilim rug inspired the design of the Non-Flying Carpet, however this rug from Fatboy is far from traditional. With its wipe clean surface it makes a great outdoor mat for kids to sit to avoid dirty bums. £149, Fatboy
COSY CANOPY
We know the sun has started to make an appearance however British weather isn't always the most reliable. We suggest a canopy and this one from Wickes is both stylish and will keep you dry. £449, Wickes
We know the sun has started to make an appearance however British weather isn't always the most reliable. We suggest a canopy and this one from Wickes is both stylish and will keep you dry. £449, Wickes
CHAMP LAMP
Fatboy has created a cute, huge contemporary lamp for indoor and outdoor use perfect for after dark soirees. £399, Fatboy
Fatboy has created a cute, huge contemporary lamp for indoor and outdoor use perfect for after dark soirees. £399, Fatboy
CHIN CHIN
Avoid any breakages with these jolly plastic wine tumblers. £3.99, Mollie and Fred
Avoid any breakages with these jolly plastic wine tumblers. £3.99, Mollie and Fred
HOTTEST TUB
You're home will be the social hub for the summer with this hot tub from Euphoria Lifestyle. Hot tub, a group of friends and wine makes for the perfect spring/summer evening. Euphoria Lifestyle
You're home will be the social hub for the summer with this hot tub from Euphoria Lifestyle. Hot tub, a group of friends and wine makes for the perfect spring/summer evening. Euphoria Lifestyle
ACE OF PLATES
Enjoy dining alfresco without worrying about spoiling your finest china with these fish print plates from Matalan. £2 each, Matalan
Enjoy dining alfresco without worrying about spoiling your finest china with these fish print plates from Matalan. £2 each, Matalan
COFFEE TABLE
Enjoy a brighter start to your mornings by sitting at a coffee table enjoying a brew in the great outdoors, with this garden coffee table. £390, Oak & Iron Furniture at Not on the High Street
Enjoy a brighter start to your mornings by sitting at a coffee table enjoying a brew in the great outdoors, with this garden coffee table. £390, Oak & Iron Furniture at Not on the High Street
COOL CUTLERY
We know the deal, dine outside and risk losing half the cutlery draw. Don't run the risk and opt for a set of plastic cutlery. £4, Littlewoods
We know the deal, dine outside and risk losing half the cutlery draw. Don't run the risk and opt for a set of plastic cutlery. £4, Littlewoods
LIGHT UP
We love these silver moon garden lanterns from London Garden Trading. They are perfect for creating ambient lighting for after dark parties. £49.95, London Garden Trading at Not on the High Street
We love these silver moon garden lanterns from London Garden Trading. They are perfect for creating ambient lighting for after dark parties. £49.95, London Garden Trading at Not on the High Street
LIGHT THE WAY
Light up a dark garden path with these garden torches. £13.04, Amazon
Light up a dark garden path with these garden torches. £13.04, Amazon
GET THE LOOK... Bring the outdoors in
Click on an image to enlarge and scroll through for more...
Oak coat stand, £139, Habitat, habitat.co.uk
Hare, £25, Habitat, habitat.co.uk
Natural bark vase, £25, John Lewis, 08456 049 049, johnlewis.com
Kindling wood bucket, £18, Garden Trading Company, gardentrading.co.uk
Wooden salad bowl, £20, and salad servers, £12, John Rocha at Debenhams, debenhams.com
Cushion, £20, House of Fraser, houseoffraser.co.uk