Flowers of Spring

Jo Patterson takes inspiration from her own garden and admires some of her favourites.

SNAKES HEAD FRITTILLARY

There’s something both spritely and charming about the snake’s head fritillary (Frittarlia melegris) a plant who’s graceful, typically purple-and-white blooms decorate so many gardens at this time of year.

A few years ago I planted handfuls of its tiny fleshy bulbs in a damp but sunny spot beside my pond. Since then this pretty plant has steadily multiplied about the place in a way that completely belies its appearance of fragility. These lantern shaped flowers – dangling from slender grass-like stems really look quite exquisite.

When you’re planting the bulbs in autumn, remember that you’re trying to emulate the conditions that allow it to thrive in the wild. They frequent water meadows so you need to plant them in a moisture retentive spot. Somewhere that also gets the sun.

WILD PRIMROSE

Wild Primroses (Primula vulgaris) have pale yellow, occasionally white flowers. They have a light fragrance reminiscent of freesias. I’ve got them growing along a low bank.

At this time of year, the clusters of leaves are almost hidden by the pastel yellow flowers. Growing on 10cm stalks, their pale hairy stems are just enough to hold the stems clear of foliage.