[dropcap type =”circle”]S[/dropcap]pring is most definitely in the air and it is finally time to start at least planning what we can do with our outside spaces.
Although it is still too chilly to plant out any delicate varieties, this is a great time of year to have a tidy up and come up with some ideas for later in the year.
One way to add some instant colour to a garden of any size is to buy some pots of bulbs. This is a great, speedy way to brighten up a patio, window box or balcony-especially if you didn’t get around to planting any bulbs in the autumn and your garden is looking a little lacklustre.
Most supermarkets and garden centres are currently selling pots crammed with the miniature Tete a Tete narcissi as well as grape hyacinths, daffodils and tulips.
Tulips will flower a little later but it is worth buying a few pots of each now and then you can enjoy a succession of spring colour.
Small pots of bulbs also look great indoors as an alternative to a bunch of cut flowers, so bring a bit of spring colour into your home as well. Most bulbs come in plastic pots but you can swap these for terracotta pots by simply re planting and standing the pot in a saucer to catch any water.
Primroses are in abundance and make a welcome addition to pots, troughs and hanging baskets with their seemingly endless range of vibrant colours.
Cut daffodils and tulips are also a great way to add some spring sunshine to your home, and with bunches from as little as 95p in some supermarkets you can afford to fill jam jars, bottles and vases and have flowers in every room of your house.
Among our favourite places to pick up some spring colour are:
The Bunkers Hill Garden Shop www.bunkershillgardenshop.co.uk Nicholsons Nursery www.nicholsons.co.uk and at the Bicester Market every Friday in Sheep Street.
