Hungry Gap

Early May is always the 'hungry gap' in the garden, the lull between the sturdy early spring party flowers - tulips, narcissi, hyacinths - and the full-on romance of layte spring perennials and biennials: we are on the cusp of such lovelies as sweet rocket, peonies, Canterbury bells and the first richly scented roses. For now, we enjoy the bits and bobs that this time of year has to offer: the lime green, frondy ladder-like spires of tellima; dusky purple geranium phaeum; spherical flower pompons on the guelder rose trees; and lots and lots of brilliant orange geum.