Hellebores are the true treasures of early spring. They are very long flowering and combine very well with spring bulbs. Plant in groups to create a greater impact. Try varieties such as Helleborus argutifolius and Helleborus niger.

The ‘Elephant Ear’ as it’s fondly known, provides not only the beautiful flowers but also large bronze nearly red tinged rubbery leaves. Both white and pink varieties are available.Try Bergenia ‘Rotblum’ for a nearly cerise pink flower and the Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’ for a pure white flower.

The Chaenomeles ‘Pink Lady’ begins to flower now. Its little bright flowers are a delight to see.

Various varieties of rhododendron begin to flower now. Look out for more unusual varieties which have pure white flower such as Rhododendron ‘Cunningham White’ .

The forsythia will now be in full flower. This is a shrub which flowers on its bare stems before the leaves begin to grow. It is best to prune this shrub after flowering to ensure that the new growth has time to mature to ensure flowering for the following year. Varieties include Forsthia ‘Lynwood’ and Forsythia intermedia.

The Daphne bholua with its white flowers will still be flowering in some garden. Remember that all parts of this plant are toxic.

The bright yellow flowers of the Corylopsis remind us that spring is truly on its way. These plants make large shrubs or small trees.

The scarlet branches of the Salix daphniodes are complimented by the violet catkins which are now appearing. As this willow begins to show its first leaves, the bright green foliage contrasts magnificently with the violet stems.

The viburnum is a shrub which looks good all year round, at the moment its white flowers which open from pink buds. Look out for the Viburnum tinus.