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When Jack Salway bought his house 37 years ago, the dell at the bottom of the garden presented something of a challenge. Not only was it a big space to fill, his attempt at growing soft fruit failed because the berries all rotted in the still, damp air. Jack then tried gunneras and cannas, both of which absolutely loved those same conditions.  So began his obsession with huge, leafy plants.

If you fancy adding a touch of the tropics to your garden this year, here are Jack’s top 10 recommendations:

• Canna x ehemanii (Ehemann's canna)
• Canna ‘Musifolia’  (Banana canna)
• Colocasia esculenta ‘Jack’s Giant’ (Elephant’s ears)
• Dahlia imperialis (Tree dahlia)
• Gunnera manicata  (Giant rhubarb)
• Inula magnificaPaulownia tomentosa (Foxglove tree)
• Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis (Golden Chinese timber bamboo)
• Ricinus communis  (Castor oil plant)
• Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Steroidal Giant' (Rice-paper plant)

All are easy grow but, with the exception of the Inula, Paulownia and Phyllostachys, they’ll need protection over the winter. Please also note that Ricinus communis, the Castor oil plant, is highly poisonous. 

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It’s traditional to plant potatoes at Easter. If you have raised beds, you can plant them in a grid 15cm (6in) deep, 30-45cm (12-18in) apart. But if you have an area of open ground, you’ll first need to dig a V-shaped trench, adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter as you go. Place the tubers along the bottom, spacing them 30-45cm (12-18in) apart, then backfill with soil to create a mound over them. 

(www.rhs.org.uk)

Lilies hate wet soil and poor drainage so it’s worth growing them in pots if you can. Plant the bulbs in a free-draining compost - John Innes No.3, ideally with extra grit mixed in. Plant the bulbs about 15cm (6in) deep, ensuring that they are not touching each other, cover with compost and water. Place somewhere sheltered to grow and guard against slugs and snails. Just before they flower, move them to a prime location in your garden where the blooms and their scent can be fully appreciated.

(www.rhs.org.uk)

As the weather warms up, it’s time to give your lawn its first cut of the season.  Don’t forget to raise the blades of your mower to their highest setting as you only want give your grass a light trim. This tidies the lawn and removes winter debris, but still leaves it long if the weather goes cold again. 

(www.rhs.org.uk)