Start spring early - focus on spring flowers that can withstand frost

Perennials that bloom early in the spring are accustomed to our cold climate and can therefore withstand a lot. They also have the advantage of multiplying each year. Many perennials propagate with bulbs, and it is also possible to divide the plants in the fall or spring. Here are some examples of early blooming and reliable perennials for the spring garden:,,Aubrieta – nice, ground-covering, and green in winter. It is dotted with purple flowers in the spring. If you cut it back, there may be a new bloom later in the season. A real favorite among pollinating insects!,Lungwort – comes in various colors and the flowers can resemble dog teeth.,Siberian squill – excellent shade plant, it gets white flowers that later develop into decorative, but poisonous berries.,Cowslip – perennial carpet-forming herb within the buttercup family.,Sweet violet – fragrant ground cover plant that blooms in April-May.,Bulb plants – snowdrop, glory-of-the-snow, grape hyacinth, tulip, crocus, and daffodil such as Easter lilies, Pentecost lilies, and star lilies are some of the most common. Many bloom early and therefore become important food for insects.,Corydalis genus – sweet, small spring flowers found in several colors, and they often self-sow.,Primrose – many primroses are perennial, like primrose and goldenrod, and these can tolerate light frost occasionally.,Bishop's hat – ground-covering with purple flowers.,Daisy – or Bellis Perennis are cute flowers found in both single and double varieties and in several colors.

In addition to the early perennials, there are many flowering plants that can tolerate temporary cold. They are often beautiful in colors, and are especially lovely in pots. If it gets really cold, they can be covered with fiber fabric – possibly in several layers. If they still get minor frost damage on the leaves, it is easy to trim them off. Examples of these beautiful spring flowers are: Alpine violet - often considered an autumn flower, but just as beautiful in spring. The plant can tolerate temperatures down to 0, but recovers after light frost.Pansy - perhaps the flower that screams spring on the doorstep more than any other. You can get it in a variety of sizes and colors. By removing faded flowers, new ones will come throughout the season.Ranunculus - flowers in fantastic colors that can withstand light frosty nights. The roots can be dug up in autumn and stored cool and frost-free until next spring so they can be replanted.Ranunculus are tougher than they look - they can easily handle a frosty night or two.

Goldenrod - blooms beautifully during spring and summer and comes in many golden colors.,Slipper flower - is often seen as an indoor plant, but works just as well outside if it's not too cold.,Garden carnation - can sometimes overwinter as a perennial if it's a mild winter because it can tolerate down to minus 5 degrees. Comes in several colors and contains a lot of nectar, making it popular among butterflies.

Deer are often hungry in the spring, but some flowers are distasteful to them. More attractive flowers can be protected with sheep wool that releases a substance that deer dislike. Additionally, different deer repellents can be purchased in stores. Another trick is to enclose potted plants with plant supports made of natural sticks, somewhat like a bird cage. Alternatively, you can feed the deer something they are actually allowed to eat - far away from your flower beds and plants, of course.

Remember; spring flowers not only give us a fresh start to the year. By planting them, you also make an important contribution to bees, butterflies, and other newcomers who also long for summer.

Liselotte Roll, Swedish garden inspiration, journalist and author of books on nature, gardening, and animals, such as "Earth", "Grow for insects" and "Chickens as a hobby".