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Writer's picturejuliathompsongarde

Spring is on its way - and the excitement is building!

Updated: Jan 16

Gorgeous gardens!


What makes a garden inviting, tempting you outside to want a closer look?


Well I guess that’s different for everyone. For some it’s the allure of a sunny day, fresh air and welcoming seat for a cuppa. Others love the changes in the seasons and seeing what the plants are doing. Kids want somewhere to play and explore. Some want lots of vibrancy and colour. The satisfying sound of birdsong and perhaps a water feature can also encourage you to step outside the back door. And if you’re like me, you itch to be out gardening and getting your hands dirty, keeping on top of things!


A welcome seat




This time of year is certainly exciting in the garden. After the storms, cold and rain, followed by a couple of nicer days, it starts to feel like spring, bulbs are popping up. It’s hard to choose a favourite spring bulb and I love seeing a mix planted together, such as purple crocus, bright pink cyclamen and yellow tete a tete daffodils, but tiny iris reticulata is hard to beat for dramatic shape and stunning colour.




Spring bulbs












Iris reticulata












Superb scented shrubs such as evergreen sweet box and daphnes can not only deliver a terrific punch when their flowers release their perfume to attract the early bees, but they also give a garden backbone and structure.


Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’












Although it’s too late to plant spring bulbs, many are available, grown in pots in most garden centres if you can’t wait until autumn to plant bulbs. And it’s a good time to plant summer flowering bulbs, such as lilies. My favourite has to be lilium regale, with its huge trumpet shaped flowerheads and fabulously strong scent. Plant them deep in a sunny spot near a seat and you will be amazed how fragrant they are. They are tall too so plant them near the back of the border.


Tulips coming up through silver leaved brunnera










With thoughts turning to spring and summer, how would you like to improve your garden this year? Maybe it’s a new lawn or patio, or a fire pit, or adding more structure from evergreen shrubs or trees or perhaps colour from flowering plants such as roses or annuals and perennials. There are some great flowering plants which literally flower all summer long if you deadhead them.


The anticipation and excitement is building and I cannot wait for another great year in the garden, can you?!






Julia Thompson, February 2022

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richtarmchair
Mar 10, 2022

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