Plant selection.

Doyou have dicentra for early flowering, Chobart? They're good, and I've been hearing recently of Abeliophyllum distichum, a "white forsythia" which flowers around now, and the roseum group version which is pinker. Sounds lovely, and has a scent too!
http://www.rhs.org.uk/WhatsOn/gardens/harlowcarr/archive/harlowcarrpom03feb.asp

 

Thanks Dendy - the new forsythia look s great especially if it is scented. I've got both wgite and pink Dicentra - a bit thuggish but great for early flowers. Also bought a few ne Irises so am hoping for good things from them if I can find another space in the sun.