PERENNIALS TO LAUNCH
THE GROWING SEASON

Announcing the coming of the new growing season is one of the jobs that perennials do best. There's nothing like the beauty of early perennial flowers to make us feel that summer is on its way. Three plants which make an exciting selection for spring colour are aubretia, pulsatilla and bergenia. These three plants offer the gardener an inspiring range of early colour for a variety of planting locations - so there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Bergenia is ideal for bringing interest to the floor of a woodland garden or a border. There are lots of members of the family to choose from, adding a splash of white, pink, red or purple wherever they are planted. They produce attractive leathery glossy leaves which, depending on species and variety, colour in winter. Bergenia 'Ballawley' is a clump-forming evergreen perennial, and is one of the first to flower in spring, bearing crimson flowers on red stems. 'Ballawley' also provides interest in winter when its mid-green leaves turn a bronzy-red.

The wonderful aubrieta produces delicate simple flowers which look fantastic as ground cover on a sunny bank or cascading over a wall. This style of cascading flowers also works well in patio containers or hanging baskets as part of a mixed interest planting. In spring aubrieta produce an abundance of small four-petalled flowers; colours include violet, pink, mauve or purple. These plants prefer alkaline to neutral soils. Look out for 'Joy' with its double mauve flowers on short stems.

Last, but by no means least, is pulsatilla, best known for their exquisite flowers and foliage. Pulsatilla vulgaris is a superb example. This delightful deciduous perennial has light green fern-like leaves. It bears pretty bell-shaped flowers (4-9cm across) which stand upright or semi-pendent. The purple flowers have a golden centre and their silky-hairy texture adds an extra dimension to their appeal. Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' produces pure white flowers with yellow centres. Once planted, pulsatilla do not like to be disturbed, so it is best to plant them small and leave them. These plants need very well drained soil and plenty of sun. They originate from alpine meadows in North America, Europe and Asia, so to see them at their best choose a rock or alpine garden for them.

So, whether planting in containers or hanging baskets, sunny spots in the border, over garden walls or in woodland these three perennials offer variety and colour for early spring. And if none of the locations suggested for planting are suitable for your garden you can always consider making your own miniature rock garden. Each of the plants suggested will work well in a rock garden trough; their flowers and foliage contrasting beautifully with a gravel top dressing.

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