Abeliophyllum distichum ‘Roseum Group’ (white forsythia ‘Roseum’) £12.99
Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: slow-growing to average Flowering period: February and March Flower colour: light pink Other features: the scented flowers are valuable for indoor flower displays; the matt, dark green leaves often turn purple in autumn Hardiness: fully hardy A relative of the Forsythia, this is a handsome, deciduous shrub is smothered with small, star-shaped, light pink flowers in late winter and early spring. They have a delicious scent and will fill the surrounding area with their scent, so try to plant it near a pathway or entrance. Ideal for adding early interest to the shrub border, it is also perfect for training into a fan-shape against a warm, sunny house wall. This delightful, deciduous, shrub performs best in fertile, well-drained soil. Garden care: Prune after flowering in spring, cutting back some of the old wood to a vigorous side shoot and then apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant. Once established, after flowering in spring cut back every second or third flowered shoot to the base.

Forsythia x intermedia ‘Lynwood Variety’ (forsythia) £8.99
Position: full sun or light shade Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: February to April Hardiness: fully hardy With its branches smothered in vivid yellow flowers, this deciduous shrub is a r eally cheery sight on a shivery day in early spring. The flowers appear before the bright green leaves, covering the plant in a fine cloth of gold. Try it as part of a winter scheme, at the back of a border, where it can be seen from the house, or as an informal hedge. Garden care: Prune out one or two old main stems at the base after flowering. Thin out crowded shoots from the centre and to keep a compact appea rance, cut back flowered shoots to a strong bud.