Modern hybrids of Camellia are very hardy, and in most gardens are more free-flowering than older types of varieties.  Names to bear in mind include ‘Donation’ a free-flowering open pink and ‘Debbie’ a dark pink double.  These evergreens like a dappled shady position in soil that is not chalky.  To keep the leaves dark green, plant in plenty of Levington Ericaceous Compost and feed in spring with Miracle-Gro Slow Release Azalea, Camellia and Rhododendron Plant Food.

Are you going to grow summer bedding from seed this year, or leave it to the growers?  If you are, why not try sowing the Wave series of Petunias that promise to be full of strong colour throughout the summer.  The Shock Waves family look to provide some great pink and white colourings.  The bi-coloured family of Appeal Snapdragons is also on my list for 2010.  The Apricot one with yellow and orange shades should fit in well in my tubs and containers.  Please don’t get over enthusiastic and start sowing now, be patient and wait a while.  I’ll shout when its time!