Mike Palmer celebrates the seasonal awakening of our gardens from their winter slumbers with trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs to get seriously excited about

Now spring is in sight, gorgeous plants herald a new season

early bumblebee and the four carder bumblebee species have medium-length tongues and feed from thistles, comfrey, flowering currants and alliums. Meanwhile, the short-tongued bees, such as the solitar

Erysimum Rysi Copper One of the definitions of a wallflower is that of a shy and awkward person with whom nobody wants to dance: I am sure we have all felt like that at some point in our adolescence.

There’s something very relaxing about watching a bee busying about its work on a warm summer’s day… the gentle buzz as it meanders from bloom to bloom. However, there’s more at play here than just gar

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