Bulbs are invaluable plants. They are the easiest way of brightening up the garden with decorative and often flamboyant displays. As they come from a number of different natural habitats there are plants for almost any location. They are superb in the border as well as ideal for naturalising in grass and woodland, growing in containers and many of the smaller bulbs thrive in the rock garden. The one thing that nearly all of them have in common is that they like a well drained soil but on the whole they are easy to grow and trouble free. Follow the natural habitat of the plant as much as possible and success will invariably follow.
Spring bulbs are suitable for all sorts of purposes:
Large Bedding Schemes, Pockets in the Border, Rock Gardens, Woodland, Grass and Meadows, and Pots and Containers.
The large bedding schemes that used to be reserved for country houses look absolutely breath taking. However, they can be adapted for the smaller garden by simply scaling down.
Bulbs make a valuable contribution to formal bedding displays. Classic varieties such as Tulips and Hyacinths are excellent for planting en masse due to their strong sculptured forms. The bulbs may completely fill the bed or be planted in blocks of colour and combined with other contrasting varieties.
Varieties recommended for Formal Borders are:
Hyacinths, Tulips , Muscari (Grape Hyacinth), Fritillaria imperalis (Crown Imperial), Fritillaria persica
Bulbs are among the most versatile plants for filling pockets in the border. In a mixed border they are ideal for extending the flowering season with an array of bright colour from late winter through to early summer.
Plant the smaller bulbs in drifts to create a carpet of colour while the larger bulbs are useful for giving the border height and shape.
Varieties recommended for Pockets in the border are:
Allium, Anemone, Camassia, Chionodoxa, Colchicum, Crocus, Eremurus, Erythronium, Fritillaria imperialis (Crown Imperial), Fritillaria persica, Fritillaria meleagris and species, Gladiolus, Ipheion uniflorum, Iris , Ixia, Ixiolirion, Muscari (Grape Hyacinth), Narcissi, Ornithogalum, Oxalis, Puschkinia, Scilla, Snowdrops, Tulips, Triteleia
Some of the loveliest garden plants thrive in the Rock Garden and the restricted size of these plants fits particularly well into the confines of the small modern garden.
A well constructed garden emulates natural rock formations and makes a striking backdrop. A south facing slope makes an ideal site although a sunny position will suit most plants.
The smaller spring bulbs help to bring the rock garden to life in winter and early spring. You can add texture and structure by choosing plants with unusual leaves and varying the height and form.
Varieties recommended for planting in rock gardens are:
Aconite, Allium, Anemone, Chionodoxa, Crocus, Erythronium, Ipheion uniflorum Iris, Oxalis, Muscari (Grape Hyacinth), Puschkinia (Striped Squill), Scilla, Snowdrops, Tulips (species)
Bulbs can transform grass, whether a bank, a section of lawn or an entire meadow. Plant early flowering bulbs in grass that is to be mown from Spring onwards so that the leaves have time to die down. Alternatively, plant bulbs in defined areas so that it is possible to mow around them.
Varieties recommended for planting in grass and meadows are:
Aconite, Allium, Narcissi, Crocus, Galanthus (Snowdrop), Fritillaria meleagris and species, Ixiolirion, Scilla and Snowdrops
These days pots and containers are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Select those that compliment the materials and character of your house.
Pots and containers form structural points of interest and can be used to enhance specimen plants, frame a view or doorway, create a focal point, soften hard landscaping or disguise unattractive areas.
Varieties recommended for planting in pots and containers are:
Allium, Anemone, Crocus, Hyacinths, Iris, Ixia, Ixiolirion, Muscari (Grape Hyacinth), Narcissi, Oxalis, Puschkinia, Scilla, Triteleia, Tulips
No items in basket