Get your spring-flowering bulbs planted this month

[London garden designer]

There?s something quite special when the first of the bulbs appear after the cold winter... brightening up the garden and letting you know that spring is on its way.

And now is the perfect time to be planting your bulbs. With a little bit if thought you can have flowering bulbs from January right the way through to May and June by which time the perennials and shrubs in the garden will be providing a good show.

And don't worry if you don't have a big garden - you'll get a great display by planting them in layers within containers on your patio or balcony.

Why not try the following:

Galanthus nivalis (snowdrops): January/February

Iris reticulata: Feb/March

Narcissus tete-a-tete (daffodil): March/April

Muscari armeniacum ?Saffier? (grape hyacinth): April/May

Tulipa ?Negrita? and ?Gabriella?: April/May

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation?: June

Also make sure you follow the instructions on the packet for planting depths.

Of course living in London our friends the squirrels will think it's fair game to dig some up them up so try covering with chicken wire or garden netting for a couple of weeks until the roots get established. I hear chilli oil on your borders and containers can ward off both squirrels and foxes if you're so inclined...

My advice is just get some bulbs in the ground, forget about them and you'll have a lovely surprise come spring.

And if you?re thinking of adding more shrubs or perennials or contemplating a complete garden make-over, Autumn is a great time to do it: landscapers are a little less busy so you won?t wait months for the work to be carried out. Also your lovely new garden will be ready to enjoy as soon as you are in the spring, and the plants will have had time to establish their roots so you get a better display next year.

Happy planting!

Simon

07806 355 656

http://www.simonorchardgardens.com

facebook: simonorchardgardens

[Cazz]

Dear Simon

Good Advice. Although I am slightly concerned I might be planting bulbs too early?

My 'Winter' Jasmine is coming into flower also my forsytia.

How late can you realistically plant bulbs?

Cazz

[London garden designer]

Hi Cazz

Timing of planting is generally related to flowering time, but I wouldn't be too concerned about planting early - daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths would have been fine being planted back in September.

Tulips on the other hand are best planted in November so you still have time! And planting them this month means less risk of 'tulip fire' disease.

As long as you get your bulbs in the ground before the first frosts you stand a good chance of success.

Happy planting!

Simon

P.S As well as your Winter Jasmine and Forsythia, you could add further winter interest with a Sarcococca (Christmas Box) - evergreen and amazing smell in the depths of winter!

http://simonorchardgardens.com

[red devil]

Simon, thanks for the info/advice.

Re. bulbs in general...I'm familiar with dead-heading and letting the foliage die back naturally to encourage next years growth, but I have read conflicting advice on feeding/fertilizing. Should this be done before they start showing, just as they show, or after they've flowered, or not at all?

Also, is it true that Tulips need to be lifted and moved to a new location each year, or can they be left to naturalise?

And finally, is there any reason why the majority of Narcissi/Daffs I planted a few years ago didn't flower from the 2nd year onwards. I gave up after last Spring's poor showing, and have a fresh batch of bulbs ready to try again, so any tips greatly appreciated.

Coincidentally, I've been putting in all the bulbs you suggested, the only difference being Red Riding Hood Tulips, so I know who to blame if they don't look good...;-)