Anyone who likes begonias should be scouring the garden centres now for new varieties. Make sure they feel firm, and scratch the skin of the tuber to reveal a fleshy pink or gold interior. If the inside is brown, the tuber is dead. Begonias have received a bad press over the years. However, there are some amazing, unusual varieties, including B boliviensis, which looks more exotic than a traditional begonia. Its slender, fluted reddish orange flowers look great hanging from a compact bush. Lilies can be purchased in autumn, winter or early spring. They should be kept cold until you plant them. If you’re thinking about late summer, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ has been crowned 2010 Summer Bulb of the Year by industry professionals. Crocosmia grow very upright and to a height of about 1m, producing clumps of dense iris-like foliage along bronze green arching stems. One of the small flowering varieties, it is hardier than other crocosmia, making it perfect for beginners and cooler regions. Elsewhere in the garden, it creates structure and a burst of bright colour when it flowers between June and the end of August. Different bulbs need different soil types, but summer bulbs generally like a warm, sunny position. Free- draining soil is important. Hardy summer bulbs which don’t need lifting, such as alliums and crocosmia, are better off planted in the autumn, while more tender types such as gladioli, dahlias, cannas and callas, are started off in spring. Better bulbs THE Royal Horticultural Society offers tips for successful bulb-growing in containers: For bulbs that are only going to spend one season in the container, use a mix of three parts multi-purpose compost with one part grit. For long-term displays, use three parts John Innes No 2 compost mixed with one part grit. Plant at three times their depth and one bulb width apart. Water regularly in active growth, but reduce watering once leaves start to die down then through the dormant season. Check pots in winter, ensuring they do not dry out. To promote good flowering next year, feed bulbs every seven to 10 days with a high-potassium fertiliser. Begin feeding as soon as shoots appear, and stop once the foliage starts to die down. | 
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