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

Marian Boswall on how the old tradition of wassailing might actually benefit orchards

Felipe Fernández-Armesto takes a leap in the dark

SERVES 4 Ingredients 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into large cubes ½ butternut squash, peeled and chopped into large cubes A splash of olive oil 2 tsp chilli flakes Freshly milled black

The underrated root vegetable is the real hero of the Burns Night meal, says Douglas Chalmers

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