Summer-flowering bulbs often get lost in the rush of March and April, when there’s so much to do in the garden, but it’s a shame to miss out on these beautiful and useful plants that often bridge the awkward gap between summer and autumn.
My first choice is always Gladiolus callianthus (sometimes called G murielae , or acidanthera) – perfect white flowers with a gorgeous deep maroon blotch in their centre. I plant masses in pots and they never fail. The scent is indescribable, so I won’t even go there; just know that you can’t possibly live without it. Plant the corms about 4in deep in ordinary multipurpose compost mixed with a bit of John Innes No 2, and place the pot in a sunny spot, keeping it well watered.
Lilies are a must, too, and again I usually put these in tall plastic containers and then sink them in border. Or you could keep them in pots. The exquisite Lilium regale and L ‘Casa Blanca’ are both easy and, more importantly, scented, which make them perfect on terraces and brought indoors for summer parties. Beware though if you have cats: all parts of the lily are extremely toxic to them, including the pollen.
We dig this
Keep yourself entertained in the greenhouse or while weeding the border with this portable digital/FM radio. Its rechargeable batteries should keep going for 20 hours, and you can plug in a mobile or iPod to play music. There’s also an alarm to remind you of the real world when you are lost in sowing and pricking out. From £50; pure.com
Be inspired
■The Edible Garden Show and Good Life Live runs from Friday to next Sunday at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Advance tickets £14 (theediblegardenshow.co.uk).
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■Ince Castle, near Saltash, Cornwall, is open next Sunday, 2pm-5pm, to show off its spring-flowering shrubs and bulbs. Entry £4 (ngs.org.uk).