The Vernales section of primulas, correctly called section Primula, includes our beloved primrose, cowslip and oxlip, which are usually, but not always, pale yellow. There are also some bright pink species from further afield - not to mention the polyanthus hybrids, with appallingly vivid colours, fortunately kept away from us in municipal plantings in the middles of roundabouts.

Primula veris is the cowslip, with short stems carrying several bright yellow flowers, contrasting with the pale green colour of the prominent calyx. This collection originated in open places in mixed woodland, in the Pyrenees, but the species is one of the best-loved flowers of the British countryside.