PRETTY PERGOLAS Create a

Mix varieties of tulips for a wonderful effect

3 SPRING GARDENS TO VISIT

KNIGHTSHAYES Tiverton, Devon EX16 7RQ. The 19th-century formal and woodland gardens boast one of the most varied plant collections in the country, nationaltrust.org.uk. PASHLEY MANOR GARDENS Ticehurst, East Sussex TN5 7HE. Enjoy the marvellous spring tulip festival display in late April/early May from nearly 50,000 bulbs, pashleymanorgardens.com. RHS GARDEN WISLEY Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. See swathes of bulbs planted around blossoming cherry trees, rhs.org.uk.

There is a wonderful choice of late-flowering spring bulbs that will carry the floral display in your garden into the colourful days of summer. Whether plugging the gaps in herbaceous borders left by their early flowering cousins, or planted in pots to enliven patios and courtyards, these late bloomers are a joy to behold.

‘Alliums make an amazing late-spring display in shades from cerise, purple through to white, ’ says Jess Evans, head gardener at Knighthayes in Devon. ‘Erythroniums, or dog ’ s tooth violets, are one of the loveliest bulbs to naturalise in your garden and there are many different species of Fritillaria that can be grown. ’

Many bulbs will naturalise in turf, coming back year after year, while ‘tulips, daffodils and most other bulbs do well in containers planted to one and a half times their depth’ , advises Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at RHS Garden Wisley.

Plant spring bulbs between October to February, ‘but get them in before they start to shoot, ’ advises Greg Ovenden, head gardener at Pashley Manor Gardens. ‘Store bulbs in a cool dark place until you are ready to plant them. ’

If planting tulips in beds, ‘ make sure the soil is well forked over, and plant them at a trowel’ s depth, or a bit deeper if you intend to leave them in for more than one season. Mulch the beds after planting, but before they start showing new growth, ’ adds Greg.

All your hard work will be repaid in spades when your garden is a sea of colour for months on end.

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Bulb bonanza

1 ‘Crocus like full sun so suit rockeries, raised beds and pots, ’ says Guy. 2 ‘Crown Imperial likes a herbaceous border with good sun, ’ says Jess. 3 Alliums go well in a mixed herbaceous border. Jess suggests ‘Purple Sensation’ . 4 Daffodils (narcissus) bring the brightest and longest spring colour. 5 ‘Dog’s tooth violets (erythroniums) enjoy a soil rich in organic humus, ’ says Jess. 6 Lilies (lilium) do very well in pots of rich peat-free potting compost. 7 ‘For late-season colour try Tulipa ‘Menton’ , which turns from pink to salmon orange, ’ advises Greg. 8 ‘Snake’s head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) naturalise in grassy areas and woodland-style gardens, ’ says Jess. 3

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PRETTY PERGOLAS

Addshade,privacyandabeautiful featuretoyourgardenwitha thoughtfullydesignedpergola

This oak structure, covered by climbing roses, was created by designer Jo Thompson and leads to a secluded place to sit and relax

Aprivate enclosure, a frame for rambling roses, a secret spot in the shade – there are many reasons to place a pergola in your garden. Perhaps you want it to shelter an eating area, provide vertical interest, frame a pathway or create structure. Whatever the function is, there ’ s a shape, size and style of pergola to suit your garden. ‘A pergola needs to have a purpose. Usually it is to lead you somewhere, forming a focal point, or creating a sense of division by adding a layer in the garden that isn ’t a solid boundary, ’ explains garden designer Jo Thompson.

‘It should be integral to the layout of the garden, instead of an afterthought. Carefully considering views to and from a pergola is key to enabling it to feel connected to the space, ’ adds Harriet Farlam of Farlam and Chandler.

The placement of a pergola is key,

‘ so that it does not block the flow of the garden. It also needs to be proportionally correct so that it does not over-dominate the space ’ , explains garden designer Fi Boyle.

There are many options for materials and finish, but these need to tie in and ‘fit with the character and personality of the individual garden ’ , adds Harriet Farlam.

SHADE & SHELTER

As our summers get hotter, a pergola is the perfect way to create a semi-shaded area in a sunny garden, but it can also provide shelter in the evening. >

‘The overhead canopy, whether this is covered in climbing plants or a simple timber slatted surface, can offer a buffer from the wind and protection from rain. It should be well located with good circulation if it is to be used all year, ’ suggests Harriet Farlam. ‘A wisteria could be grown up one of the uprights and trained over the top, which will create dappled shade. Or for more consistent shade, sail-type screens can be attached to the underside of the roof, ’ adds Fi Boyle.

Used over a dining area, pergolas can create a feeling of privacy and separation

‘Where you place your pergola is key. It should be a destination, with a purpose, ’ says garden designer Fi Boyle