Bulbs planted in autumn come to life now and deliver vibrant bursts of colour – a joy to see after the dark winter months. Daffodils (more on those overleaf) and tulips are enduring symbols of spring

KITCHEN GARDENER

Deter birds from pecking out your garlic by scattering twiggy prunings over the soil where the cloves are planted. Carefully place the prunings inbetween cloves, put back any that have been disturbed

As days grow longer, the urge to sow seeds is almost impossible to resist. But if you dream of overflowing beds, the most important thing to do now is plan the growing year to help you meet its sowing

Choose tasty new varieties and prep your patch for delicious fruit come summer

In the garden, hellebores and snowdrop bulbs are emerging through the wintry ground, while beyond, in borrowed views, dangling catkins and blossom-laden blackthorn branches sway in the hedgerows. Thes