HOW many times do you plan a detailed sector in the garden only for it to evolve into something entirely unrelated to the original concept?

In truth, the answer is more often than not, but most times however, Mother Nature's finished result is usually far more interesting than we could ever have conceived of ourselves.

I have a lovely little border just inside the back gate, which is overlooked by the kitchen and dining room window. I originally created it as something that would look good all year round, and paid particular attention to winter interest.

There are loads of heucheras, hellebores, euphorbias and small rhododendrons packed into a small triangular patch under semi shade. It did indeed provide some respite from the dreary winter misery.

I simply cannot believe how much more beautiful the area has become since the addition of a dozen or so allium bulbs hurriedly planted in the gaps last winter.

The heucheras are gathering up their forces ready to burst forth with an array of flimsy frothy spikes. These form the base layer to the border. The hellebores have finished flowering, but are putting on clouds of vibrant new growth. They form the next tier in the plan.

The rhododendrons are in bloom, trumpeting their presence with a shower of deep magenta bells. These were my top level plants, until now.

I have watched with growing excitement as the strong slender stems of the alliums pierced their way through the foliage. The heads have slowly swelled, split and gently unfolded. Now, they preside over the whole show like royal purple hedgehogs. The height and colour seem to unite the rest of the plants and knit everything together.

It definitely wasn't the impression I originally had in mind. It is much, much better.

The alliums aren't the only things to put on a tremendous growth spurt thanks to the rain. The lawn is needing cutting almost twice a week at the moment. It is not getting cut twice a week though. It has been just too damp to get out with the mower.

I console myself that the dandelions look quite attractive (and, hand-picked, provide a tasty treat for the guinea pigs).

You will be pleased to know, though, that according to nature's weather indicators we are definitely in for a dry summer. The oak leaves were out way before those of the ash, which means that we will suffer only a splashing of rain, and not a soaking. This must just be a clearing shower then, eh?

JOBS TO DO THIS WEEK

Treat the bulbs

Dead head the spent daffodils, and any tulips that have gone over. Refrain from cutting down the leaf growth, but add a good sprinkling of bone meal. This helps boost the bulbs for next year.

Plant up ponds

Water plants can be put into new and existing ponds now. It is always wise to place the oxygenating ones in first, followed by the marginals.

Potato care

Remember to earth them up as the green foliage makes it way through the soil. This way you prevent forming green, inedible ones.

Gardeners' Questions

MRS Howe has e-mailed me asking if there are any seeds that can be scattered on the dry soil under leylandii that would come up year after year.

Large trees tend to be greedy and the soil immediately around them is almost certain to be dry and sucked of any nutrients. If you have enough room, leave a good two-foot gap before planting. However, if your space is limited then you can try planting bulbs such as the sulphur yellow Allium moly, daffodils, tulips, and the star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum). Once established they return year after year.

Annuals that may do well here are Mecanopsis cambrica (Welsh poppy) and Lunaria annua (honesty). The seeds can be scattered and raked into the soil. You must water them well to get them started.

Hardy perennials will look after themselves all year round. Most hardy geraniums, and especially the meadow cranesbill (Geranium pratense), tolerate such conditions. Alkanet (Pentaglottis sempivirens) is an attractive coloniser, as are any of the periwinkles (Vinca major, Vinca minor). Lamiums do well, there are white, purple and yellow to choose from. Grasses and sedges could look quite good here, but they may get too invasive.

EVENT OF THE WEEK

Nature's World in Acklam, Middlesbrough (just behind the Bluebell Hotel) is holding its second Farmers' Market tomorrow.

* Brigid and Tim Ellingford will broadcast the 'Ask about Gardening' show live from Northdale Horticulture's open day tomorrow from midday to 2pm on BBC Radio Cleveland, 95FM.

Published: 24/05/2003