January

First sign of Spring Snowdrops and crocus start to grow.
Begin planning flower beds for the summer flowering bulbs and perennials.
Where daffodils are planted in lawns, ensure that they are protected so that any emerging shoots are not damaged.
Plant lilies and perennials late January to give them the best start. Lilies and perennials like free draining soil. Many lily varieties are ideal in pots and will create a stunning display on your patio in the summer.

February

Divide snowdrops after flowering or plan how many you will need to buy.

Plant lily of the valley and other perennial species.

March

Start dahlias off in pots indoors or in the greenhouse to plant in the garden in May, after any chance of frost has passed. Dahlias will bring colour all summer long and as such are very good value for money.

Plant gladioli and many miscellaneous bulbs during March and April.

Some of the earlier varieties of daffodils and tulips such as Tete a Tete and Showwinner will be flowering to herald that spring is finally here.

April

Plant dahlias in the garden after the last chance of any late frost has passed for a fantastic summer display.

Plant gladioli in a sunny, well drained part of the garden.

Feed daffodils and other bulbs so that they produce flowers for the following year. Do not take leaves off until they have turned brown.

Keep an eye on slugs and snails to prevent them eating new shoots especially those of dahlias.

May

Start to pull up your onion crop! It's best to use them as you dig them up as they don't always store well.
If naturalised bulbs have become overcrowded – lift when all the leaves have died back, separate and replant.

Dead head spring bulbs but don’t damage foliage – remove foliage when it has turned brown.

This month will see some of the late varieties of tulips flowering. It is also the time that camasssias, alliums and fritillaries are coming into flower.

June

Divide congested flag irises as soon as their flowers fade.

July

From the end of July until the first frosts of autumn, dahlias and summer bulbs provide an immense amount of colour.
Plan your flowerbeds and pots ready to purchase spring flowering bulbs.

August

Place your order for your spring flowering bulbs. Enjoy watching your dahlias, gladioli and lilies produce a stunning display in your garden and on your patio .
Purchase prepared hyacinths from mid August onwards, so that they will be ready to flower at Christmas.

September

Place your order for spring flowering bulbs if you haven't done so already.
Plant Spring Flowering bulbs from September to late November – daffodils, crocus, tulips etc

October

Still time to order and plant spring flowering bulbs. Dig up your dahlia tubers once the foliage is blackened by the first proper frost. Clean the tubers and cut the stems down to 15cm/6". You can also do this with other bulbs such as tigridia, eucomes and acidanthera.

November

December

Have a break and enjoy your fragrant Christmas hyacinths.