Five plant combinations for April

Here are five combinations to inspire you.

Apple blossom and wallflower

Stepover apples are a great way of incorporating a fruit tree into even the smallest of gardens and they look especially beautiful when covered in spring blossom. They look wonderful underplanted with wallflowers or tulips.

Tulip and euphorbia

The acid yellows and greens of euphorbias are the perfect foil for all manner of spring flowers - here, Euphorbia x martinii contrasts beautifully with maroon and white tulips, as well as a cotinus to the left, which is just coming into leaf.

Daffodil, wallflower and viola

This vibrant combination combines 'Tete a Tete' daffodils and wallflowers. If you didn't get around to planting this combo in autumn, you could find both of these plants on sale at the garden centre in spring.

Muscari and feather grass

Grape hyacinths are easy to grow although they do have a tendency to spread - if this is likely to be an issue, plant them in pots. They look good combined with other spring bulbs, or with a compact, fine grass, such as Stipa tenuissima.

Trillium and fern

Trilliums are an unusual addition to a border that is in light shade, where they combine well with other woodland plants. The ferns look especially beautiful when they unfurl in spring.