Anemone sylvestris (Snowdrop anemone): Large pure white flowers over a mound of green ferny foliage. Hardy. Up to 30cm.

Cardamine quinquefolia: Light purple flowers emerge very early in spring, with attractive deeply divided leaves. Foliage dies down in summer.

Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae (Mrs Robb's bonnet): Great plant for difficult dry, shady areas. Evergreen dark-green leaves and vibrant lime-green flowers in spring. Suckers and can spread.

Geranium phaeum (Dusky cranesbill): Purple flowers with swept-back petals held high above soft green foliage. Early to flower, reliable and easy. To 60cm. Hardy.

Geranium phaeum 'Raven' (Dusky cranesbill 'Raven'): Dark purple flowers with long stamens and swept-back petals held high above soft green foliage. Great for shady areas. To 60cm. Hardy.

Geranium phaeum pale purple (Dusky cranesbill pale purple): Pale purple flowers with swept-back petals held high above soft green foliage. Early to flower, reliable and easy.

Lamium maculatum 'Pink Pewter' (Spotted deadnettle 'Pink Pewter'): A low ground cover plant with silvery heart-shaped leaves and short stems of pink flowers. Brightens up a shady area. Hardy. Up to 20cm.

Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' (Spotted dead nettle 'White Nancy'): A low ground cover plant with silvery heart-shaped leaves and short stems of white flowers. Brightens up a shady area. Hardy. Up to 20cm.