As well as enjoying what’s growing right now, we gardeners have to keep an eye on planning ahead, and although it’s a long way off, spring flowering bulbs need planting in the next two-three months if you want a splendid display next year.
Amarylis, daffodils and hyacinths at the entrance to Great Dixter House.
Daffodils
are a cheery sight in spring, the smaller ones like tete a tete are perfect for plant pots.
Planting depth depends on the size of the bulb, it’s always deeper than you think it will be, at least twice the depth of the bulb is a good rule of thumb.
Tulips
choose from the diferent groups to have flowers over a long period, two or three complimentary or contrasting colours look wonderful, they should flower at the same time and be compatible heights.
Plant at least 15cm deep 8cm apart, in October-November when the cold weather will deal with fungal and viral disease.
Hyacinths
perfect in containers near your door to get the full impact of their knock-out scent
plant 10cm/4in deep, 15cm/6in apart.
Crocus
these are lovely as a drift in lawns or in plant pots.
plant 10cm/4in deep 10cm/4in apart.
Drifts of crocuses in the lawn at Great Dixter.
Muscari
Musari armeniacum is a bit rampant and gets everywhere, Muscari Valerie Finnis is rather more refined and there are lots of other lovely ones. Plant drifts in borders or in pots on their own, which I really like, or with taller bulbs, they’re good cut flowers too.
Plant 10cm/4in deep the same apart.
Mascara White Magic
Order bulbs
now to get the best choice, because bigger bulbs make the best flowers.
- Unwrap them as soon as there arrive, spread them out to let air circulate around them untill you’re ready to plant them.
- Plant the pointy end upwards in a sunny or part-shaded area of the garden.
- They like light, well-drained soil so add grit to the base of the hole if you’re soil is heavy.
More about the garden at Great Dixter here.
Happy gardening, Jill
all photos: Jill Anderson.
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