The earliest blooms of spring bring a welcome burst of colour back to our gardens. Despite the still chill winds of March and the lack of leaves on the trees, these resilient flowers appear just when we are most in need of them - a sure sign that winter is ended and summer is on its way.

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The gardening year: spring

Tulips are the showstoppers of spring. We expect the yellows of narcissi and primroses but much more surprising are these vivid oranges, scarlets, sugary pinks and lilacs. They look good in pots, grouped with forget-me-nots in a border or, if you have the space, in rows for cutting. Planted in colourful lines, they create a design feature outdoors and last well in vases.

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Tulip time: easy flower-arranging ideas

The gardening year: spring

Delicate cherry blossom in snowy white or palest pink also makes a striking display when arranged in a tall simple container.

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The gardening year: spring

The smallest plants of springtime - oxalis with its dainty white, pink and purple flowers and dark, clover-leaved foliage, Bellis perennis - the cultivated daisy, blue scillas, white and lavender wood anemones and pulsatilla all provide diminutive but precious blooms to cheer the heart. Snip the stems of a few of each as you walk round the garden on that first quiet, sunlit day and display them in a glass to enjoy on your desk or breakfast table alongside jaunty potted primulas.

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The gardening year: spring

In spring, camellias produce wonderful petticoat-frilled blooms in corals, pinkish-reds, whites and even stripes. Admire them on a flourishing potted example or cut on short stems and place in a vase where they will look for all the world like a glorious bunch of roses.

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The gardening year: spring