Whether you're planning on planting container plants or entire flower beds, choosing the right flowers can make all the difference. According to one expert, a handful of varieties are set to stand out this season. Patrick Martin, owner and horticulture expert at Frantoio Grove, says there are four plants worth a place in your spring garden this year.

The expert said: "Spring is the perfect time to be intentional about your garden. A few simple principles can make a real difference to how your outdoor space looks and feels throughout the season. Plan with pollinators in mind. Lavender, dahlias, and peonies are all excellent choices for attracting bees and butterflies.

"Think about mixing textures and heights too, pairing ornamental grasses with flowering plants to create depth and visual interest.

"If you have both indoor and outdoor spaces, consider how your planting choices connect the two. Wherever possible, opt for varieties that don't demand constant attention. A beautiful garden shouldn't feel like a chore."

There are a few flowers that command attention quite like a peony in full bloom, according to the expert. Their "full, fragrant blooms" have been a staple in English gardens for a long time, but they're also now finding a way into more contemporary planting schemes too.

Patrick said: "Peonies are having a moment right now. Gardeners are realising they work beautifully in both classic and modern settings. Plant them in a sunny spot with good drainage, and they'll reward you with incredible blooms year after year."

Lavender is a perennial favourite, and for good reason too. Its purple blooms and distinctive scent make a statement in any garden, whether in containers or in a flower bed.

The expert noted: "Lavender is one of those plants that gives back far more than it asks for. It's low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and pollinators absolutely love it. For anyone wanting to do something good for their garden and the environment, it's a great place to start."

For anyone wanting "serious colour" in their garden this spring, dahlias deliver. Available in a huge range of colours and sizes, they're ideal for creating a statement flower bed or adding drama to a border.

They are super versatile, too, with gardeners able to go bold and bright or soft and romantic.

Ornamental grasses are becoming a go-to choice for gardeners who want structure without the upkeep. According to the expert, they work well as a backdrop for flowering plants or as a feature in their own right.

Patrick said: "Ornamental grasses add something that flowers alone can't, a sense of rhythm and flow. They move with the breeze, they look great year-round, and they pair well with almost anything. For a low-effort, high-impact garden, they're hard to beat."