PERENNIAL PLANTS

POTTING ON
We recommend our young plants are potted on into 9cm (3½in) pots, using a good quality, multi-purpose compost. Even though many of these varieties are hardy, at this young stage provide a little warmth in a frost-free place. After 3-4 weeks roots will have filled the pots and, like our potted varieties, will be ready to plant out into their final positions.

CONTAINER PLANTS

POTTING ON
If you plan to set out your plants in beds or borders or to plant them into large tubs, pot
them first into 9cm (3½in) pots. Use any good multi-purpose compost and set each one so
that the top of the plug is just below the surface. All young plants that are to go out into the garden, even the hardy ones, should be hardened off during May. Stand them outside in the day and bring them in again on cold nights before locating them in their final positions outside at the end of May / beginning of June.

CHRYSANTHEMUM PLANTS

POTTING ON
We recommend our young plants are potted on into 9cm (3½in) pots, using a good quality, multi-purpose compost. Each cultivar has different characteristics - some may be tall and thin others short and thick, but each will give good results if handled correctly.
Water in after potting, but also leave to almost dry out before watering again. Keep out of
direct sun for the first few days, until the roots are beginning to develop. Then they will take as much sun as you can give them.
The young plants will have sufficient food in the compost for 3 to 4 weeks and extra feeding before this stage is not recommended.

YOUNG PLANTS Woolmans advice on how to plant out and grow on your young plants.

HARDENING OFF It is advisable to harden young plants off before planting them outside or into an unheated greenhouse. Gradually acclimatise plants to outside temperatures by placing them outdoors for a few hours a day and slowly extending the daily period outside over a week or two, depending on how low the temperatures are. Once they are outside permanently and planted out, keep some fleece handy just in case there are still any unusually chilly nights. Depending on the region and local weather conditions, Hardy varieties can often start being hardened off from late March onwards. Half hardy varieties from May. Bare root plants and bulbs do not need to be hardened off and can often be planted any time during their dormant period.

ANNUAL BEDDING STANDARD PLUG PLANTS
Having been carefully nurtured under ideal glasshouse conditions, your plants will be sensitive to both cold and scorching sunshine. Aim to give them a minimum temperature of about 10°C (50°F), a little more for Begonias and Impatiens.

Your plants have arrived ready for transplanting and, although they may be left for a day or two to acclimatise to the new conditions, they should otherwise be potted on as soon as possible.
When transplanting, ease each one gently from its cell, if necessary, pushing it out by inserting a suitable thin implement through the hole in the bottom. Pot them on into multicell trays with large cells or 9cm (3½”) pots. Use any good multi-purpose compost.
As soon as you have transplanted your plug plants, water them in well. Wait until the surface of the compost starts to dry before watering again. If you must grow your plants in a place where they only receive light from one side, such as on a windowsill, turn them regularly so that they grow evenly.
During May, harden the plants off by standing them outside in the day and bringing them in
again on cold nights, before locating them in their final positions outside at the end of May/beginning of June. If planting into containers, add some water retaining gel granules and a slow-release fertiliser.

AUTUMN PLANTING BULBS
If not planting when first delivered, store your bulbs in a cool, dry place until planting time.
While successful in a very wide range of soils, most bulbs are intolerant of poor drainage so, if your soil is heavy, also dig in plenty of sharp sand or horticultural grit. For planting in containers, use general purpose compost. Bulbs are usually most effective when planted in groups.
Always plant bulbs and corms with the pointed growing tip facing upwards. If unsure, face any hair like roots downwards.

CAUTION: Do not eat any of these bulbs and keep out of reach of children.
Contact with all parts of Allium, Bluebell, Hyacinth, Iris, Narcissus and Tulip may cause skin or eye irritation and all parts of Bluebell, Hyacinth, Iris, and Tulip may cause severe discomfort if ingested.

CHRYSANTHEMUM PLANTS
PLANTING OUT
After 3-4 weeks, roots will have filled the pots and, like our potted varieties, will be ready to plant out into their final positions. At this stage, plants will still be susceptible to frosts, so harden off carefully from early May onwards. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with protection from strong winds and well-drained but fertile soil.
Like other plants - prepare the ground by incorporating plenty of organic matter such as
manure or compost. Before planting apply our Chrysanthemum plant food or another good general fertiliser and rake it in. To plant, dig a hole slightly larger than the pot, remove the pot and place the rootball in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Back fill, firm well in and water thoroughly. Keep plants well watered until they are fully established.
Most cultivars can be stopped when they are about 15cm (6”) tall. This simply involves removing the top growth by pinching back and taking it down to 3 or 4 leaves up from the base of the plant. This promotes formation of side shoots and creates a bushier, more productive plant. If the plants have formed premature buds, it is best to cut them back hard, at least half their height. This will encourage new shoots to grow from lower down without buds. Four or five of the resulting side shoots should be retained. For blooms, one bud should be allowed to develop on the top of each side shoot with other buds being removed as they appear. For sprays all buds should be allowed to develop.

CONTAINER PLANTS
PLANTING OUT
Most of our container plants prefer a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Your planted up young plants will have roots that have filled their pots after around 3 weeks and our potted plants will have arrived ready to plant up directly into containers, baskets or in the garden.

When you plant up your containers and baskets, multi-purpose compost is usually
best, and we recommend that you mix with it water-retaining gel granules and a slow-release fertiliser. Together they will save you time with both feeding and watering, although additional liquid feeding may still be needed later in the season if plants start to lose vigour.
Always keep your plants free of weeds and water well in dry spells. until they are fully established. Slugs and snails are a major threat to the young growth of many plants and appropriate precautions should be taken.
TOP TIP
Always select an appropriate pot size for the type of plant you have chosen and the look you want to achieve. For instant impact with summer displays, you can pack plants in to give more impact, we suggest about seven-nine plants per 40cm (16”) diameter pot. For permanent displays consider the growth rate and eventual size of the plant.

GARDEN READY ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL BEDDING PLANTS
When you plant up your containers and baskets, mix water-retaining gel granules and a slow-release fertiliser with the compost.
Together they will save you time with both feeding and watering later in the season. As a general rule, allow one plant per 5cm (2”) of container or basket diameter and double this number for baskets where the sides are planted.

If you are planting in your beds and borders, prepare the ground well, removing any perennial weeds. Where the soil is not already rich, dig in some well-rotted manure or compost to add nutrition and help to improve structure. For optimum flowering, either incorporate some slow-release fertiliser at this time or feed regularly through the season. Keep plants well-watered until they are established.

PERENNIAL PLANTS
PLANTING OUT

Most of our perennial varieties will thrive in a sunny spot or in light shade with moist but well-drained soil. Prepare the ground by incorporating plenty of organic matter such as manure or compost. To plant, dig a hole slightly larger than the pot, remove the pot and place the rootball in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Back fill, firm well in and water thoroughly. Apply a mulch of organic material, composted bark, or compost around the base. Keep plants well-watered until they are fully established.
When planting up containers, a multi-purpose compost is usually best, and we recommend that you mix it with water-retaining gel granules and a slow-release fertiliser.

Together they will save you time with both feeding and watering, although additional liquid feeding may still be needed later in the season.
For individual variety information, please see our catalogues. Many of our varieties are also supplied with care cards attached.

9cm/2ltr POTTED PERENNIAL PLANTS
To plant, dig a hole slightly larger than the pot, remove the pot and place the root ball in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Back fill, firm well in and water thoroughly. Apply a mulch of organic material, composted bark, or compost around the base. Keep plants well-watered until they are fully established.
When planting up containers, a multi-purpose compost is usually best, and we recommend that you mix it with water-retaining gel granules and a slow-release fertiliser. Together they will save you time with both feeding and watering, although additional liquid feeding may still be needed later in the season.

SHRUBS
Prepare the ground well as for perennials. Our potted shrubs can be planted at any time of the year provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
Choose a suitable planting spot and again plant as you would perennials. Water well and continue to do so for the first season especially, until established. We recommend a good mulch with compost or well-rotted manure to help retain moisture.

SPRING PLANTING BULBS & TUBERS
If not planting when first delivered, store your bulbs in a cool, dry place until planting time.

While successful in a very wide range of soils, most bulbs are intolerant of poor drainage so, if your soil is heavy, also dig in plenty of sharp sand or horticultural grit. For planting in containers, use general purpose compost. Bulbs are usually most effective when planted in groups.

Always plant bulbs and corms with the pointed growing tip facing upwards. If unsure, face any hair like roots downwards.

CAUTION: Do not eat any of these bulbs and keep out of reach of children. All parts of Nerine may cause stomach upset if eaten and contact with the sap of these plants may result in skin irritation.

SPEEDPLANTERS

These are delivered ready for immediate planting into hanging baskets and containers. Place the speedplanter into the basket or container, topping up with a little compost where needed and water well. Keep in a sheltered place for a week or two until established.

TRIXI PLANTING COMBINATIONS

Suitable for all basket and container planting, 3 different varieties are produced in one plug plant. Plants are quick to establish and are very weather tolerant. Flowering from early summer into early autumn. Five young plug plants will fill a 35cm (14") basket or container. Place your basket or container in a sunny spot for best results.

CHRYSANTHEMUM PLANTS

EARLY FLOWERING (OUTDOOR/GARDEN) CULTIVARS
Early flowering chrysanthemums bloom outdoors in August and September in the open ground and can be planted out in the garden from May (earlier if protected). Plant firmly about 60cm (2') apart. You can plant closer if you want blooms for cutting or further apart if you need to fill a large area.
Insert a cane, tie the stem to it and water in. Feed every two to three weeks until August when the buds will be starting to form. If you give too much feed you get a larger but softer plant, which can be more susceptible to disease.

LATE FLOWERING ( INDOOR / GREENHOUSE) CULTIVARS
Late flowering chrysanthemums are grown in pots outside until frost is likely, then are moved into the greenhouse to flower in November and December. On arrival they can be treated the same as garden ones, but repotted as needed to a final pot size of approximately 23cm (9"). They can then be stood outside.

Four side shoots should be retained with only one bud at the top of each stem being
allowed to develop if you want blooms. For sprays you simply let all the buds develop. The
plants should be fed every two to three weeks until early September when the buds start to form. When buds start to show colour, about the end of September, move them back into the frost-free greenhouse. Give plenty of ventilation to keep the humidity down and prevent damping of the petals.

HARDY CULTIVARS
All these cultivars are completely hardy, given a good first season’s growth to build up the root system. The newly arrived cuttings should be treated the same as the other garden ones to start with. They can be stopped when they are about 15cm (6") tall. From the end of May onwards they can be planted out about 46cm (18") apart, the taller ones will require staking. After flowering, cut them back to about 15cm (6") above where the single stem breaks into flowering stems. When they start growing again in the spring the old stems can be cut right down to near ground level. Every few years they can be divided up or new young shoots rooted.

GARDEN BUSH (POT MUMS)
These are dwarf free-flowering cultivars suitable for pots or border planting.
Pot first into 9cm (3") pots then when potting on, put one into a 13cm (5") pot, three in a 17½cm (7") pot or five in a 25cm (10") pot. Plants can be stopped to encourage breaking. Feeding should be carried out every couple of weeks through the summer to produce the stunning large cushions of flower in the autumn.

WINTER CARE
For cultivars grown outdoors in the open ground, after flowering has finished cut down to 5cm (2") above where the single stem breaks into flowering stems.
Lift with a fork, shake off any loose soil and remove all the old leaves and any old basal shoots. Pot up or plant in the border in a cold greenhouse or very sheltered position and keep on the dry side throughout the winter. In spring the main stem can be cut down again to about 15cm (6") from the ground and the plants watered.

CAUTION: Chrysanthemum plants can be a skin allergen.

SPRING PLANTING BULBS & TUBERS

(Caution: ornamental bulbs can be harmful if eaten)

ANEMONE CORONARIA - Soak these bulbs for several hours before planting, they will start growing more quickly than if planted dry.
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Plant 7-8cm (3.5") deep and 10-15cm (4-6") apart.

BEGONIA – Start off indoors in pots during March then plant out in late May. Space them
20-30cm (8-12") apart. Plant in light shade or, at least, shade during the hottest part of the day. Can be overwintered, lift before the first frosts in Autumn.

DAHLIA – Start off indoors or a sheltered position outdoors, in pots, in March/April. As
they grow, pinch out the tips of the main shoot. Remove down to the first pair of leaves. Its also a good idea to remove all but 5 shoots sprouting from each tuber to ensure a strong
and vigorous plant with lots of flowers.

Dahlias thrive in most sunny situations and do best in fertile soil, with moisture and good
drainage. Set out your potted tubers, spacing them approximately 60cm (24") apart (depending on the expected final size of the variety) and with the crown about 5-7cm (2- 3") below soil level.

Feed regularly, using a high nitrogen liquid fertiliser while plants are developing and
changing to a tomato type fertiliser during the main flowering period. Tie plants to their stakes as they develop and dead head regularly to prolong flowering.

EUCOMIS – These dry bulbs are best started in pots and later planted out when in growth. Plant out in full sun or part shade 25cm (10") apart with the bulb at a depth of 20cm (8in). Because these are half-hardy dig up bulbs if not in a sheltered position or move pots indoors and keep dry until the following spring.

FREESIA – Plant inside in pots Jan-April, March in a cold greenhouse and outside from
April onwards. Space corms 5-8cm (2-3") apart and 5cm (2") deep in a well-drained,
sunny and sheltered position. As they grow provide some support such as twiggy sticks or wire. Not fully hardy, Freesias will need lifting either when the leaves turn yellow or after first frosts and storing in a dry frost-free place.

GLADIOLUS – Gladiolus require an open sunny position in a well-drained soil. Plant in
groups 10-15cm (4-6") apart and 10-15cm (4-6") deep. The lighter the soil, the deeper they should be planted.

LILIES – Lilies prefer acid to neutral soil. Avoid wet soils especially in spring. As lily bulbs never go completely dormant, plant them as soon as possible. Set them 15cm (6") apart and at about three times the depth of the bulb. Choose a site in full sun or partial shade.

NERINES – Nerines need a well-drained soil in full sun and a sheltered position. Plant the
bulbs with the top of the bulb just below the soil surface and 15cm (6") apart.

SPARAXIS – Plant in moist but well drained soil in full sun. Plant the bulbs 10cm (4") deep either directly into the garden or into pots in a cool greenhouse. If left outside, mulch with chipped bark to protect them from the cold wet weather over winter. Plant in groups for best effect.

TRITELEIA (BRODIAEA) – Plant bulbs at a depth of 7cm (3") and 10cm (4") apart in a warm sunny position in well-drained soil. Plant in groups for best effect.

9CM/2LTR POTTED PERENNIAL PLANTS

ACANTHUS - Plant in partial shade/shade. Space at 60cm (24") apart. Correct positioning is vital as plants do not like being moved once established.

ACHILLEA - Prefers a sunny, well-drained site. Space at 30-45cm (12-18") apart.

ACTAEA - Grow in cool, moist, moderately fertile soil, enriched with organic matter. Water thoroughly in dry weather. Space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

AGAPANTHUS - Plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained, light soil. Excellent for container planting. Space at 40-60cm (16-24") apart. (Caution: Harmful if eaten.)

AGASTACHE - Prefers a sunny, well drained site. Space at 25-30cm (10-12") apart.

ALCHEMILLA - Tolerant of most soil conditions, including heavy clay, plant in sun or part shade. Space at 30-45cm (12-18") apart.

ALLIUM - A perennial (not a bulb variety) best grown in a sunny or partial shade position. Space at 40cm (16") apart. (Caution: Toxic to pets if eaten.)

AMSONIA - Grow in moist well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Can tolerate periods of drought. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

ANTIRRHINUM - Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil. Space at 20-30cm (10-12") apart. Prune back in late spring to promote bushier plants.

AQUILEGIA – Grow in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

ASTER - Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny position or partial shade. Space at 40cm (16") apart – good spacing will aid circulation and help prevent mildew.

ASTRANTIA - Quick to clump and excellent for cut flowers. Requires full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

CAMPANULA - Plant in sun or partial shade. Space low growing varieties 25cm (10") apart, tall varieties up to 50cm (20") apart.

CATANANCHE - Plant in full sun. Perfect in well drained, light soils. Once established it has good drought resistance making it ideal for free draining soil. Space at 40-45cm (16-18") apart.

CENTAUREA - Plant perennial Centaurea in moist but well drained soil and space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

CHRYSANTHEMUM – Will grow well in any moist, well-drained soil. Space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart. (For further details see Chrysanthemum section, top of this page.)

CIRSIUM - Plant in full sun or partial shade. Space at 40-60cm (16-24") apart.

COREOPSIS - Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Space at 15-45cm (6-18") apart, depending on variety.

CRAMBE - Grow in moist, but well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Plant 100-150cm (40-60") apart.

CROCOSMIA - Plant in any well drained soil in full sun. Space at 30cm (12") apart.

DELPHINIUM - Remove flower spikes after flowering to promote a second flush of blooms. Likes sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Space at 40-50cm (16-20") apart. (Caution: Harmful if eaten.)

DIANTHUS - Plant in a sunny spot and prefers a soil enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost. Plant 15-30cm (6-12") apart. (Caution: Skin allergen.)

DIASCIA - Grow in moist, but free-draining soil in full sun. Plant at 30-45cm (12-18") apart. Closer spacing in containers.

DIGITALIS - Plant in a bright or partially shaded spot in well-drained soil. Suitable for planting under trees and shrubs as plants are quite drought tolerant. Space at 25cm (10") apart. (Caution: Toxic if eaten.)

ECHINACEA - Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil. Space at 25-30cm (10-12") apart.

ECHINOPS - Ideal for planting spot with fairly dry, well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Full sun is essential as is protection from winter wet. Space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

ERIGERON - Plant in a sunny position in well drained soil. Space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

ERYNGIUM - Does best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

ERYSIMUM - Deadheading will help to keep plants looking tidy. Likes sun and well drained soil. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

EUPHORBIA - Plant in sun or shade. Space at 40-60cm (18-24") apart. (Caution: Irritant to skin/eyes; harmful if eaten.)

GALLIUM - Plant in a partly shaded position in moist, well-drained soil. Space at 25-30cm (10-12") apart.

GAILLARDIA - Plant in a sunny position. Space at 40-45cm (16-18") apart.

GAURA - Plant in sun or part shade. Space at 40-45cm (16-18") apart.

GERANIUM - Plant in a sunny or partially shaded spot. The soil/compost should be free draining and kept just moist. Space at 25-30cm (10-12") apart.

GEUM - Does best in a sunny location and prefers moist but well-drained soil. Space at 30cm (12") apart.

HELENIUM - Need full sun and any reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil. If plants are dead headed, they will continue to bloom until September. Stake plants as they grow. Space at 50cm (20") apart.

HELIOPSIS - Quick to establish in rich, moisture retentive soil in full sun. Plant 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

HESPERIS - Plant in a sunny position. Space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

HEUCHERA - Very long-flowering and its size makes it perfect for pots and window boxes or ground cover in an area of dappled shade. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

KNAUTIA - Plant in a sunny position. Space at 40-45cm (16-18") apart.

LAVENDER - Trim plants after flowering to maintain a compact habit. Grow in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Space at 25-30cm (10-12") apart.

LIBERTIA - Comb or rake off any old, tired or dead leaves and flowers in spring. If needed evergreens can be cut back (by up to half) at almost any time from April to July. Best grown in moist, well drained soil in full sun. Space at 60cm (24") apart.

LOBELIA - Perfect for partial shade in moist but well drained soil. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

LUPIN - Plant in a bright and sunny position in rich, free-draining soil. Cut back after flowering to encourage a possible further flush. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart. (Caution: Harmful if eaten.)

LYSIMACHIA - Performs best in humus-rich, moist soil that does not dry out in summer. Space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

MONARDA - An excellent perennial for the late summer border. Grow in moist soil and full sun. Remove spent flowers to keep plants looking tidy. Cut back to a couple of inches above soil level when the first frosts appear. Mulch in the spring. Space at 50cm (20") apart.

NEPETA - Plant in full sun and trim after flowering to keep plants compact. Space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

OMPHALODES - Plant in moist, humus rich soil in partial shade. Space at 30cm (10-12") apart.

PAPAVER - For best results make sure they will be in the sun for most of the day. Any soil is suitable provided it has reasonable depth and is well-drained. The foliage dies away soon after flowering and should then be cut off. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

PENSTEMON - Great for borders or containers. Remove flower stems after flowering. Likes sun and fertile well-drained soil. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

PEROVSKIA - Plant in full sun and space and space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

POLEMONIUM - Easy to grow in either sun or part shade. Deadhead flowered stems to prevent self-seeding. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

PHLOX - Plant in a sunny position and grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Keep well-watered during dry weather and remove faded flowers to encourage further blooms. Mulch in spring. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

PHYSOSTEGIA - Plant in a sunny spot and cut back to the base in winter. Space 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

POTENTILLA - Plant in any well drained soil in full sun. Space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart. (Caution: Fruits are ornamental, not to be eaten.)

PRIMULA - Grow in moist soil in sun or partial shade. Ideally needs moist soil during the growing season and dry soil in the winter. Space at 20-25cm (8-10") apart. (Caution: Skin allergen.)

PULSATILLA - Grow in a sunny well-drained position. Space at 30cm (12") apart.

RUDBECKIA - Easy to grow in full sun or partial shade. Space at 40-50cm (16-20") apart.

SALVIA - Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil/compost. Excellent for adding to the front of borders or for including in mixed perennial container plantings. Space at 20-25cm (8-10") apart. (Caution: Rosemary - Salvia rosmarinus is a skin allergen.)

SCABIOUS - Prefers moderately fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Dead head regularly to encourage further blooms. Space at 30cm (12") apart.

SEDUM - Perfect for a spot in full sun and planted in well-drained soil. Plant 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

STIPA - Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart. Wait until early spring to cut back any brown or dead leaves.

TELLIMA - Prefers a partially shaded spot so ideal for a woodland border. Will tolerate drier positions in shade, and full sun in moist soils. Space at 45-60cm (18-24") apart.

TROLLIUS - Plant in moist soil in sun or part shade. Space 40-60cm (18-24") apart.

TULBAGHIA - Grow in a sunny well-drained position. Space at
30cm (12") apart.

VERBASCUM - Grow in full sun in poor, alkaline, well-drained soil. Larger plants will require support. Space at 40cm (16") apart.

VERBENA - Does best in a sunny location and prefers moist but well-drained soil. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart. Cut down in spring as new growth emerges from the base.

VERONICA - Clump forming. Remove faded flower stems. Suitable for cutting. Likes sun and well-drained soil. Space at 30-40cm (12-16") apart.

VERONICASTRUM - Plant in moist, well drained soil in sun to partial shade. Space at 45cm (18") apart.

AUTUMN PLANTING BULBS

(Caution: ornamental bulbs can be harmful if eaten)

ALLIUM - Plant at approximately three times the depth of the bulb. Space them 15-30cm (6-12") apart. Plant in a sunny spot.(Caution: Toxic to pets if eaten.)

ANEMONE - Anemone require a warm sheltered spot with well-drained, humus rich soil in sun or partial shade. For best results soak the tubers overnight before planting them with ‘claws’ upwards, 5cm (2") deep and 10cm (4") apart.

BLUEBELL - (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) - Bluebells prefer a semi-shady position, and soil that has been enriched with plenty of leafmould or well-rotted garden compost. Plant 10-15cm (4-6") deep and 10-15cm (4-6") apart. (Caution: Harmful if eaten.)

CAMASSIA - Plant at least 10cm (4") deep and 15cm (6") apart, in fertile, well-drained, humus rich soil, ensuring that there is good drainage in the soil. Avoid plants becoming water-logged.

CHINODOXA - Find a position in full sun or semi shade and with well-drained soil. Plant 8cm (3") deep and 7cm (2.5") apart.

CROCUS - Plant 7-10cm (3-4") deep and 7cm (3") apart. Give them a position in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. (Caution: Toxic if eaten.)

CYCLAMEN - Plant 5cm (2") deep and 5-8cm (2-3") apart in partial shade in moderately fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil. Cyclamen do not like excessive wet.

FRITILLARIA - Plant 12cm (5") deep and 45cm (18") apart. Handle the corms carefully as they are prone to bruising. Put some coarse sand in the planting holes and place the bulbs sideways. These corms are very intolerant of wet conditions. They must be kept dry in their dormant period.

HYACINTHS - Plant 10cm (4") deep and 20cm (8") apart in September or October in a sunny or partially shaded position. Ideal plants for the mixed or herbaceous border as well as patio containers. (Caution: Skin irritant.)

IRIS - Plant at twice the height of the bulb and 5-10cm (2-4") apart in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun to dappled shade. (Caution: Harmful if eaten.)

MUSCARI - Plant 7.5cm (3") deep and 10cm (4") apart. Planting time September or October. Thrives best in full sun in any well drained soil.

NARCISSUS - Plant in September and October at two times the depth of the bulb and 10-12cm (4-5") apart. Perfect for beds and borders, in sun or part shade. (Caution: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant.)

SNOWDROP - Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) prefer a semi-shaded position, in a moist retentive soil enriched with plenty of leafmould or well-rotted garden compost. Plant 10cm (4") deep and 10cm (4") apart. (Caution: Harmful if eaten.)

TULIPS - NB: Do not plant Tulips until November/December. Plant 10-15cm (4-6") deep and 20cm (8") apart, in November to December in full sun. Planting sooner can result in frost damage to the growing shoot. Dead head after flowering. Tulips are best lifted after the foliage has died down and the bulbs stored dry through the summer. (Caution: Harmful if eaten, skin allergen.)