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

Purple punctuates the planting: here an acer, verbena and some pinky-purple crinum, or swamp lily, stand out

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

Charles Quest-Ritson meets Glenn Shapiro, a former sculptor and sheep breeder who was so taken with these little alpines she now holds the National Collection of Hepatica at Silverdale in Lancashire

Editor Kim Stoddart explains how to allow plants to grow a little wilder for greater all-weather protection

Our experts will help you get the best from your garden