The colourful displays of tulips are the main players in the formal walled garden at Westbrooke House

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

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.

SOLUTIONS

There comes a time every year, somewhere between the middle of March and the first week of April, when I am possessed by my garden. It runs through my veins like a dancing river, occupies my sleep wit

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