Plant bulbs of Alstroemeria, Amaryllis, Brunsvigia, Calla, Clivia, day lily, Hippeastrum, Tuberose and Valottta.
A twist of lime
Now is a good time to add a little lime to the vegetable garden, if needed.
Some indications of a lime deficiency can be seen in the vegetables grown or the weeds that dominate the bed.
If carrots are a nice red colour and peas and beans are thriving, lime is probably not needed, but if weeds such as sorrel are taking over, add a sprinkling of lime.
Royal lilies
If the Hippeastrum is described as 'the king of lilies' then the Brunsvigia could lay claim to the title of 'the empress of lilies'.
These very long lived bulbs with large candelabra-like flowering heads in brilliant red to pale/bright pink are closely related to nerines and belladonna lilies.
When planted in the garden they like a dry summer.
In pots use a mix specific to succulents.
Dahlias branching out
The tree dahlia is quite hardy and easy to grow if given a sunny position in well-drained soil that is protected from the wind.
Plenty of water in dry weather and an application of a complete fertiliser in spring will be most appreciated.
In autumn, cut the plants back to about 10ms above ground level and they will send up new shoots in spring.
In frost-prone areas these new shoots need to be protected.
After a few years these plants can become congested and may need to be dug up and divided in the winter.
Proud gloxinia
Incarvillea delavayi, an attractive clump-forming herbaceous perennial commonly known as pride of China or hardy gloxinia, is easy to grow in a sunny spot in rich, deep soil, but the tubers will not tolerate wet soils nor frosts.
The large, pink, tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow throats put on a spectacular display particularly when planted in a group.
Sow seed in spring in a compost-rich seedling mix. Keep consistently moist.
Seedlings can take up to three years to flower but believe me they are well worth the wait.
Olé for spring
Spanish bluebells provide a nice splash of blue in the spring garden.
It's not necessary to lift them more frequently than every three to four years when they may have become overcrowded and their flowers have started to deteriorate in quantity and quality.
They thrive and multiply rapidly in any good soil and will tolerate sun or shade which just adds to their appeal.
They look particularly beautiful planted under silver birch trees.
