Bergenias (Elephants’ ears) with their large evergreen rounded leaves probably have appealing purplish tints right now, which make them very worthy all year round ground cover. You may notice the cheery chaffinch eating both weed seed and insects, including those pesky snails that are already eyeing up any new green shoot for their late supper menu.

Plant summer flowering bulbs:

The lovely ‘De Caen’ anemones, such as the pure white ‘The Bride’ can be planted in April for June and July flowering; in June for September flowering, and in September (in mild areas or under cloches) for flowering in late winter and early spring.

The delightfully scented Acidanthera (Gladiolus callianthus) needs warmth so best wait until May to plant these.

Dahlias too need more consistent weather, so you can order tubers around April and pot them up in the greenhouse and grow them on for planting out in flowering positions in May.

Seed sowing can begin for hardy annuals such a Cornflowers, nasturtiums and Godetia, perennials such as Sweet peas (if you didn’t get around to sowing them last autumn) and many vegetables. 

You can sow outdoor tomatoes such as 'Gardeners Delight’ have a sweet flavour and are a very reliable choice for the novice guaranteed to give you good results first time and because they are cherry tomatoes can even be planted in hanging baskets or patio pots.