At an otherwise uninspiring time of year

At this time of year, snowdrops carpet the gardens at Wallington, a National Trust property in Cambo, Northumberland. Another highlight is the explosion of 100,000 crocuses as they create a sea of purple across the main lawn. On the new 32m Arts and Crafts-inspired white bank, thought to be the longest in the country, the flow-over year begins with soft-coloured daffodils and irises and ends with late-flowering cyclamens. Simon Thompson, who has been gardening at Wallington for 25 years, has made “magic happen every season” across the estate. Here he recommends ten bulbs for beautiful early colour.

1. Crocus Ruby Giant

“Crocus brings a wow-factor to a spring garden,” says Simon, who likes the ‘Ruby Giant’ variety. “The sun-loving purple blooms are stunning in large numbers. They are a bonus for pollinating insects at this time of year, so mass planting is a complete success.

2. Allium ursinum

“It’s not spring in Wallington without that strong garlic smell hanging heavy in the air on a damp day,” notes Simon. Wild garlic copes well in sun or shade and will soon form a luxurious spread of green and white. It reaches a height of 50cm and flowers from March to April, making it a good choice for larger, woodland gardens.

3. Erandis hyemalis

“These little treasures flower in late winter and early spring and are a real jewel in the almost monochromatic landscape at that time of year,” says Simon. “Wallington has a great display of winter aconites; with low-growing, cup-shaped yellow flowers I hope everyone knows that spring is very, very close.

4. Tulipa turkestanica

“I like the way this tulip grows; it lends itself really well to informal grasses or rough grasses,” Simon enthuses. “It flowers in March and April and grows to about 30cm. It is very hardy as it likes well-drained soil and lots of direct sunlight. The creamy white flowers with yellow centres open as soon as they are exposed to the sun.

5. Erythronium dens-canis

“The pink-flowered dog’s tooth violet appears in the walled garden at Wallington in March and April, and these low-growing hardy bulbs grow well at the base of deciduous shrubs,” explains Simon. Use them sparingly to provide intense bursts of colour that surprise and delight.

6. Anemone nemorosa

“Wood anemones are wonderful at creating fresh white carpets through dimly shaded areas. Here they are at their best in April and May,” says Simon. “They stand about 10cm tall and like well-drained soil. For Such delicate flowers are hardy and cope well with the extremes of weather we get in spring.

7. Erythronium ‘Pagoda’

“Like the more common dog’s tooth violet, ‘Pagoda’ is a yellow-flowering version with green glossy leaves,” notes Simon. “It flowers at the same time as E. dens-canis and is another early favourite of mine, coping well with sun or partial shade and works well at the front of borders or in rock gardens.”