As winter approaches, and you feel the dread rising at the prospect of the winter blues, find joy in the fact that spring isn’t far behind. Double that happiness by preparing your garden now for spring flowering bulbs, so they can use the dark winter months to stir gently in silence under the ground – then erupt in a beautiful explosion of vibrant colour and dynamic animation!
1 PASSION’S THE FASHION
Try a compact display of passionate purple, red and orange-yellow blooms, offset by gently folding foliage. Tulip bulbs have a flatter side that produces the earliest and strongest foliage. Plant this side facing the edge of a container so the leaves fan out.
ALL ABOUT GROWING BULBS
WHEN TO PLANT
In cold regions plant bulbs in April, and in warmer areas leave planting until May when the soil has cooled down.
SOIL
Bulbs will rot if sitting in constantly moist soil, so ensure it is well-drained. They also like slightly acidic soil, so dig in organic fertiliser before planting.
ASPECT
Most flowers prefer lots of gentle sun, sospp.) or snowflakes
