THE passion for wild flowers continues unabated. In recent years their presence has developed from a very minor one to something of enormous significance. There are now specialists who only supply wild flower seeds and plants to gardeners.

It would be logical to imagine that, as most of the wild flowers which we choose to grow in our gardens are native, they would be easy to establish. This is rarely the case, for garden soil is usually rich in nutrients and the majority of wild flowers prefer a hungry soil.

Some gardeners cheat by growing cultivated varieties which look as if they are wild flowers. This is an excellent ruse, for it ensures that the desired effect is created and perpetuated despite improved soil conditions. It also overcomes occasional local objections by purist naturalists who do not approve of the introduction of seeds or plants of wild flowers to a neighbourhood, other than regional natives of local genetic stock.

This may seem a trivial point, but on occasions there have been serious representations made against gardeners who it was perceived were endangering the purity of nearby flora. In reality this is a nonsense, for in few but the remotest corners of the country are the local wild flowers genetically uncontaminated by man's activity.

Amongst the easiest garden varieties to establish, to give that natural feel, are the bulbs. Spring flowering bulbs should have been planted in the autumn, but the seeds of a number are available at this time of the year and provide an economical and suitable alternative if you have the patience to wait a year or two before they flower.

This is certainly the best way of establishing our native bluebell, although if you want to cheat the Spanish bluebell is an equally fine, but economical alternative which prospers in more hostile conditions than our wild sort. Wood anemones are lovely but very tricky to establish. However, the white flowered form of Anemone blanda makes a striking substitute.

Snowdrops are natives which enjoy garden conditions. So do winter aconites with their bright yellow blossoms and ruffs of glossy green foliage. These are coming into flower now, but unlike other bulbous plants are best moved immediately the last petals have fallen and while still active and in leaf.

Snakeshead fritillaries are rare natives of damp places and easily established in the garden. While their highly perishable bulbs are available for autumn planting fritillaries are much better purchased as small pot grown plants and put out now, especially if you want to get them growing amongst grass.

This applies to most wild flower plants that you naturalise. Cornflowers, field poppies and ox-eye daisies are an exception in that they are best raised from seed sown with a suitable mixture of grasses, but red and white campion and ragged robin are best inserted in the turf in plugs.

Philip Swindells

WHAT'S NEW

Winter Rose is a rosy-red poinsettia with crinkled incurved bracts which give the blossoms an almost double appearance.

Brigitte is a Brussels sprout which the seed company selling it claim is so sweet and nutty it is even enjoyed by children.

Claret is an unusual narrow-petalled chocolate-brown to purple sunflower.

Q I have a late flowered clematis which I usually prune to the ground towards the end of next month. This year it is already sprouting. Should I cut it back now or leave it until the usual time?

A Leave it until the usual time. Any premature shoots that are to be retained are much more vulnerable once pruning has taken place as the rising sap is directed to them and makes further frost vulnerable growth likely.

Q My Garrya should be producing catkins now, but it just has very lush foliage. How can I encourage it to flower?

A There is nothing much that you can do for this year, but from mid-May until August feed with a high potash liquid feed such as is used for tomatoes. This encourages the development of flowering wood