Work for the week

On naked branches, the star-shaped, pristine white blooms of Magnolia stellata look wonderful, filling dull spots and drab corners alike in much the same way as snow does.

SPRING BULBS herald the opening days of March, but by the end of the month their thunder is stolen by the early magnolias, in particular the variety stellata which takes on the look of a white bridal hat joining the riot of blossom on the almonds and ornamental cherries in neighbouring gardens. Like nasal hairs their flowers creep up on you — nothing one day then suddenly, there they are right before your eyes. To ignore them is impossible and this year they are earlier than ever. On naked branches, the star-shaped, pristine white blooms of stellata look wonderful, filling dull spots and drab corners alike (light shade suits them admirably) in much the same way as snow does. This variety may be one of the very best for a small garden, but it is by no means the only contender. There are dozens to choose from and now is the time to visit nurseries where they can be seen and inspected.

AN EARLY SENSATION: Have I introduced you in the past to the Clematis ‘Early Sensation’? This evergreen variety bears early, creamy-yellow flowers which open during late February as the strengthening sun finally begins to warm the cold ground. The foliage of this upper class beauty is quite unlike any of the larger hybrids for it is tidy in habit, has foliage which is deeply cut and excitingly curly like the better strains of culinary parsley.