Lovely lilies

Pot up lilies in a cool greenhouse or coldframe to get an early start before planting them out into tubs or borders. Pop them into good-quality multi-purpose compost 10cm deep and they'll be up in no time. There are dozens of spectacular varieties to choose from; for the best scents, go for oriental types like pure white 'Casablanca', or for a real splash of colour try Asiatic lilies: 'Grand Cru' is yellow with a red blotch, while 'Black Beauty' is deep red with a green throat.