Spring Planting Inspiration, Time to get Back Into the Garden

It’s finally time for a little spring planting, after what feels like one of the wettest winters in recent memory. Many of us have spent months peering out of the window, waiting for the moment we can finally get back outside! Sodden lawns, muddy borders, and endless grey skies can take the joy out of gardening, but now, with longer days and the first signs of life appearing, spring is officially on the horizon.

And what better feeling is there than that first proper gardening day of the year? The smell of fresh soil, the sound of birds returning, and the simple satisfaction of getting your hands back in the earth.

At Golden Valley Plants, we know that spring is one of the most exciting times in the garden. As a Herefordshire-based nursery with decades of horticultural expertise, we are passionate about helping gardeners enjoy beautiful, healthy plants that thrive through the seasons.

So, if you’ve been desperate to shake off winter and get growing again, now is the time. There’s plenty to do and plenty to plant.

Start with a seasonal reset

Spring planting doesn’t have to mean a complete garden overhaul. In fact, some of the most effective jobs are the simplest.

Begin by tidying borders and removing any debris left behind from winter storms. Gently loosen compacted soil to improve drainage and allow roots to establish more easily. This is also a great time to top up beds with compost or soil improver, giving your plants a nutritious boost for the growing season ahead.

If you’ve been meaning to rethink planting combinations or refresh tired areas of the garden, early spring is ideal. Cooler temperatures and natural rainfall help plants settle in before the heat of summer arrives.

Spring planting now for early colour

After months of muted tones, introducing colour back into the garden feels especially rewarding. Early spring planting is all about optimism and anticipation, choosing varieties that will lift your mood and signal the arrival of brighter days.

Perennials such as Pulmonaria, Bergenia and early flowering Geums are excellent choices for spring planting. They establish quickly and provide reliable seasonal interest year after year.

Pulmonaria ‘Diana Clare’ is one of the very best Pulmonaria you can grow. This award-winning perennial has beautifully silver-splashed foliage and rich violet-blue spring flowers and we especially love its compact, tidy habit that stays neater than many others.

Many shade-tolerant varieties also come into their own at this time, bringing life to those trickier corners that receive less sun.

For a cheerful border display, consider planting in drifts or clusters rather than single specimens. This creates a more natural, impactful look and helps pollinators find your garden more easily as the season progresses.

Don’t forget containers and small spaces

Not everyone has large borders to work with, but spring planting is just as rewarding on patios, balconies and in smaller gardens.

Window boxes and containers can be transformed with a fresh planting scheme. Choose combinations of compact perennials, alpines or bedding plants that will provide texture as well as colour. Even a simple grouping of pots by the front door can instantly lift the feel of your outdoor space.

This is also a great time to refresh compost in existing containers and divide overcrowded plants. Many gardeners are surprised by how much stronger plants grow after being given a little extra room.

Plan ahead for summer success

One of the joys of spring gardening is knowing that the effort you put in now will pay off in just a few short months. Establishing plants early gives them time to develop strong root systems, meaning they’ll cope better with dry spells and produce a more impressive display later on.

Think about layering your planting so there is always something new to enjoy. Early spring colours can be followed by taller summer perennials, like Foxgloves, creating a sense of progression and movement throughout the season.

If you’ve been dreaming of a garden that stops you in your tracks come summer, the best place to start is right now.

Make the most of the moment

Spring doesn’t last forever and after a long winter, it feels even more precious. Take time to enjoy the simple rituals of gardening again. A cup of tea in the sunshine, the first bee visiting a flower, or the satisfaction of seeing new shoots emerge are all reminders of why we love this hobby so much.

Whether your spring planting means a full border, refreshing a few pots, or simply adding a handful of new favourites, every small step brings your garden back to life.

So pull on your boots, grab your trowel, and get growing. The season of possibility has arrived and there’s no better time to start planning for the colour, scent and beauty that lie ahead.