Welcome to The Sunday Gardener

Forsythia a deciduous early spring flowering shrub. It is easy to grow, dependable and flowering around now. It is fully hardy, not fussy about soil or position, although it will flower best if planted in a sunny spot. Forsythia flowers appear on bare branches ahead of the leaves. It can also be trained into a  hedge. Tips on growing Forsythia.

I plant Pulmonaria to provide early colour for me and early food for the bees. This variety, Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' is a stand out blue and there is also a lovely white variety called P. sissinghurst white. Pulmonaria is a good companion to spring flowering bulbs especially in a woodland area which is shady during the summer months. How to grow Pulmonaria.

If you are intending to grow sweet peas to have a summer display, this is also the time of the year to sow sweet peas under glass and get them going early. 

Sweet Peas are not difficult to grow from seed, and you can pick and grow your favourite varieties. This is one I grow every year Sweet pea 'High Scent' tips on growing Sweet Peas.

Chillies need a long growing season, which means it is best to get sowing early. Chillies also need heat and must be sown inside with plenty of warmth and light.

They can take up to 21 days to germinate - more tips on growing Chillies.