Welcome
March is the month when spring really takes hold and we can start to enjoy buds and unfurling fresh green leaves, as well as an array of early spring flowers, including our cover stars – hepaticas (page 52). These little shade lovers will brighten up any space with their cheery blooms. This issue we also feature beautiful combinations for spring containers with head gardener Jenny Barnes’s pot display ideas (page 42). If you are planning new planting for your garden right now, check out our guide to perennials you can sow from seed for flowers this year (page 86), with expert picks from our panel including a seed expert, a designer, a head gardener and a nurserywoman. We’re also starting a new occasional series this month with insights and advice from Alys…