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

In spring, thousands of daffodils illuminate the fields and riverbanks at Farndale, in a corner of North Yorkshire rich in folklore and history

Which gardens are COUNTRY LIFE contributors most looking forward to visiting this year?

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

I like the slow-quick-slow burn of early spring, with the leaves unfurling slowly but surely. Some plants are decidedly cautious; whitebeams and catalpa won’t show themselves for weeks, while impatien

There is something magical about the snowdrops at Colesbourne Gardens. Thousands of dainty flowers march into the distance under trees, their white skirts lifting gently in the breeze. In places, they