Gina Parkinson pays special attention to the fragile stems of the Bleeding Heart plant.

Dicentras arrive in the garden during May and what a lovely display they make during the month. Dicentra spectabilis is one of the first; pushing fat stems through the earth in April and putting on an amazing amount of growth so that within weeks it has formed a large, multi-stemmed plant. These stems are topped with arching sprays of blooms that are carried just above the fresh, deeply cut green foliage. The shape and colour of the flowers give rise to the common name of Bleeding Heart with each individual bloom a perfect heart shape, from which an oval droplet is suspended.

We have one growing in partial shade at the front of the house where it has been for many years. It gets morning sun and seems to like the position. It is problem free, apart from needing to be staked as insurance against the winds we often get at this time of year. I use twigs pruned from a nearby red stemmed dogwood which, conveniently, are taken in March, just before they are needed for the dicentra.

Dicentra spectabilis is one of the tallest members of the family, growing to around 60cm/2 feet high with a spread of a little less. The fleshy stems are quite brittle and easily blown or knocked over. The roots are also brittle so care needs to be taken when moving or dividing them, which should be done in early spring before the plant gets too large, or in autumn.

Another member of this group is Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' which has lighter foliage and pure white lockets. I grow this is the same place as its relative and it always flowers later. It also seems less vigorous, growing a little shorter with fewer stems. My neighbours have a very attractive variegated variety growing in their garden with yellow streaked leaves and slightly darker flowers that contrast well with the foliage. It is a little shorter than the species with bushier growth and therefore doesn't seem to suffer quite so much from wind damage.

Dicentra spectabilis is herbaceous and dies right back in summer so it is a good idea to have something growing next to it, timed to fill the space. Light shade is the preferred position in light but not too dry a soil.

Weekend Catchup

Not really a weekend catchup but a daily job - the necessity of checking golden hops every day. They put on an amazing amount of growth at this time of year and if left for anytime at all will turn into a tangle of stems that are very difficult to sort out. Attach the stems to a framework of wires against a wall or up an arch or pergola. Remember this is a rampant plant and unless there is plenty of space in the garden it should be grown in a container - I have mine in a large galvanised dustbin. It split the plastic one it was in originally.

Annual Spring Plant Fair

Around 30 specialist nurseries will be at Newby Hall's Annual Spring Plant Fair tomorrow. There will be a wide range of plants on offer, together with advice from the growers, plus garden miscellany and artefacts on sale. The event runs from 10am-4pm, with the gardens open until 5.30pm. Admission is £6.50 adult, £5.50 senior, £5 child. The charge includes entrance to the 25 acres of gardens and woodland and the children's adventure gardens. Newby Hall is off the B6265, at Skelton-on-the-Ure, between Ripon and Boroughbridge.

Sledmere Garden Show

There will be a garden show at Sledmere House in Driffield, East Yorkshire next Saturday. There will be more than 50 exhibitors including specialist nurseries, garden gifts and ornaments, landscaping materials, pottery and crafts, gardening advice, a blacksmith and a children's garden. There will also be guided tours of the park and gardens. Gates open at 10am and the event will finish at around 5pm. Admission, which includes the gardens and grounds, is £3 adult, £1 child. There is also a concessionary entrance fee to Sledmere House of £1 adult and 50p child.