Spring Flowering BulbsAfter the heat of the summer months have started to cool and the long lazy evenings are becoming shorter, the last thing on anybody's mind will be spring colour in the garden. However, now is exactly the right time to start planning your tubs, beds and borders.
Bulbs can make a beautiful addition to any garden, either in an existing border or planted in strategically placed tubs. Many people don't bother with bulbs because they think they are a nuisance and hard work, but many bulbs will give years of pleasure without needing more than minimal maintenance. Some bulbs may need lifting seasonally, or you may just prefer to not have them in the garden whilst they are dying down. Plant a number of bulbs into an aquatic basket (which has slits around the sides and bottom) and plunge the whole basket under-ground, then they will grow happily and you can lift the whole thing later to remove them. This also gives greater impact when planting bulbs in clumps.
Many people may think of bulb planting as a bit "old fashioned", but there are some amazing coloured Tulips for example that will give a simplistic modern look when planted with the right partner.
Why not try planting Tulip 'Queen of the Night', a rich dark maroon, or Tulip 'Black Parrot', a very dark burgundy but with a frilled edge, alongside white winter pansies. These would contrast perfectly with Tulip 'Purissima' with a dark winter pansy and some black grass such as Ophiopogon nigrescens, Heuchera 'Liquorice' or 'Obsidian'.
Allium (Flowering Onion) are a large genus of bulb with striking flowers that are very versatile in both modern or "old fashioned" gardens.
If you have a shady place in your garden some spring flowering bulbs will add lots of colour, Snowdrops (Galanthus), Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Daffodils (Narcissus).
Bulbs are also fun for children to grow, with some giving quick results. For example Colchicum can be grown without compost. Simply place your bulb on a saucer on the windowsill and watch it grow and flower. An old favourite for children is the Hyacinth which again doesn't need compost, fill the bottom of a Hyacinth glass with water and place the bulb in the top, as it grows the roots will come out and find the water.
Bulbs can be also great as gifts. A popular present to give at Christmas is a planted bowl of Hyacinths. Narcissus can also be in flower before Christmas, but it isn't just a case of planting them very early, you have to make sure that you have purchased the correct bulbs. There are varieties that have been specially prepared for early indoor flowering. Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' or 'Delft Blue' are well known and also Narcissus 'Paperwhite' are also prepared for early flowering.
So why not come and visit us today and take a look at the amazing colour range that could be flowering in your garden next spring.
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