Quit this
If you’re still tying daffodil foliage into knots after flowering, stop – it’s unnecessary and looks ugly. But that said, as Christopher Lloyd wrote, the “slow and hideous decay” of daff leaves is a problem, so remove them after six weeks. If you can’t bear to wait, however, naturalise narcissi en masse in grass to hide the mess. If you still have daffs in flower, though, keep deadheading vigorously.
Visit this
The Chelsea Physic Garden in London has a full programme of family activities this Easter, including Chocolate Tuesday on 7 April and Celebrating Spectacular Seeds on 9 April.
Plant this
The butterfly-like white blooms of Gaura ‘Sparkle White’ start in early summer and keep going until autumn, making it ideal for wildlife gardens. It has a seal of approval from the RHS Perfect for Pollinators scheme and is drought-resistant once established. Height and spread 45cm x 45cm. Buy six plug tray plants for £6.99, or 12 for £11.98 (prices include free UK mainland p&p). To order, call 0330 333 6856, quoting ref GU306, or go to our Readers’ Offers page. Dispatch in May.
