The UK has the finest bluebell carpets in the world, and all are springing into shimmering seas of purple-blue as you read this. They are an indicator species for ancient woods, so if you find yourself in a haze of blue, the host woodland is likely to have been around for 400 years or longer. The Woodland Trust has a directory of bluebell woods at woodland-trust.org.uk/bluebells, making it easy to find your nearest spectacle.
Sharpen up your secateurs, there's pruning to be done. When forsythia, kerria and winter-flowering jasmine have finished flowering, cut back a quarter of the oldest stems to their base to encourage new growth. It is the youngest bark of plants such as cornus and salix that is the most colourful, so if you are growing them for winter colour, cut them right down to the ground now to make them produce the fresh, bright stuff in time for next year.
Plant of the week
Rumours abound of olives producing fruit outdoors in the UK, and after such a mild winter it may be worth a punt. These handsome plants make stylish, evergreen pot subjects, and are almost bound to find our conditions more to their liking as time ticks on. Order one plant in a 14cm pot for £24.95 or two for £39.90 (including UK mainland p&p). Call 0870 836 0908, quoting ref GUPW81, or send a cheque, payable to Guardian Reader Offers, to Guardian Patio Olive Offer, Rookery Farm, Holbeach St Johns, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 8SG. Delivery within 28 days.