Many ancient civilisations celebrated the new year not on 1 January, but in March. They certainly had a point: spring feels like a new beginning, as nature awakens after the cold, dark days of winter.

Who doesn’t love a bunch of fresh flowers? Instantly lifting your space and spirits, a home-grown posy is also a thoughtful and budget-friendly gift. If you haven’t tried growing flowers for cutting b

Carpeting woodland in clouds of white star-shape flowers and filling the air with a heady, intense aroma, wild garlic is abundant in April. This bulb hibernates for most of the year before bursting fo

A springtime picnic can simply consist of a green salad, an asparagus quiche, and a sweet lemon drizzle cake to finish. Be sure to pack cutlery, a picnic rug and plenty of cushions to make relaxing am

Nothing is quite so cheering after a long dull winter as the vivid floods of crocuses that wash over our parks and gardens in February and March. For David Carver, however, who has set up a small spec

This is the month of horticultural happiness, and with everything looking fresh, green and lush, even the burgeoning weeds become – briefly – delightful additions to the garden. Selfheal sprouts gaily