You may not have noticed but the summer flowering bulbs have been in for a few weeks.

These are things like lilies – and we have got some corkers. I am keen on lilies that have a scent, which means I am not keen on the Asiatic types which are grown for multi-heads, bright colours but no scent and are used in the cut-flower market.

My favourites are Orientals and Longiflora, as both these types will give not only many flowers but also a lingering diffusion of scent.

Having said that, we discovered an absolute corker last year called Eyeliner,– beautiful, white open flowers with each petal edged in black and, much to our surprise, it was also scented.

If you are worried about the pollen factor, we also have in a double pale pink with absolutely no pollen – useless to the bees, of course, but we like to go with the flow now and again!

Lilies are great in pots if you are worried about drainage. Just put loads of crocks in the bottom of a big pot, mix John Innes No. 2 with multi-purpose at 50:50, add some sharp sand – let’s say 10 per cent – and mix well.

We also have some cracking cyclamen hederifolium corms. They are huge and must be at least five years old – almost the size of an ice-hockey puck! They are excellent value and are loose, which means you can buy one or two. You need to plant them the right way up!

Generally speaking, you will see a convex surface (which might have a few root hairs on it) and a concave surface (which might have the remains of last year’s stem). Make sure you plant it so the convex surface is in the soil and the concave surface is uppermost. They will flower for you next year and seed.

Then there are the late summer flowerers into autumn, things like crinum and nerine. Plus we have dahlia tubers and gladiolus, which are making a resurgence and are brilliant cut flowers.

We also have agapanthus – this year I have only gone for either white or blue, not mixed. Pot them up and in a year or two they will start to flower.

Then there are the anemones – especially de Caen, which are the ones you buy as a bunch in purple, pink, cerise and so on at a ridiculous price. All these need is free-draining soils in full sun and you have the lot!

Looking a bit similar but having huge ruffly petals are ranunculus – they are part of the buttercup family (as are many) but these are real show-offs. They like a bit more moisture.

Let’s not forget begonias. I hope I have got you all something different – maybe the combination colours or the pendulous ones that are so brilliant in hanging baskets.

Whatever your particular penchant, the arrival of summer-flowering bulbs is a signal of hope – and we all need one of those.