Spring bulbs herald an end to dark winter days, bringing a welcome splash of colour to the garden when few other plants are in flower.
Autumn is nature’s natural planting time and provides a fantastic way to add early colour to your garden, every spring. Planting spring flowering bulbs in autumn means you can start enjoying the joys of spring early in the season. Snowdrops, crocuses, narcissus, tulips and hyacinths can all be planted now in your garden, or patio.
There are plenty of spring bulbs to choose from, but if you need some inspiration take a look at our top 6 pick of bulbs that flower in spring.
1. Crocus
These jewel-likelook sensational planted in large swathes throughout lawns and rockeries. Tryin mixed colours for a stunning effect.
2. Blue bells
Carpets of classic Bluebells create a magical sight in later spring English Bluebellsin damp, shady areas but are surprisingly resilient, even in drought conditions, so are good for difficult areas in the garden.
3. Tulip
With so many shapes and colours available, it’s hard to choose just one variety of Tulip to grow, so if you’re a novice to Tulips try our extra value mixed sacks which will give you a good selection of different varieties in the spring.
4. Daffodils
The most obvious, and possibly King of the Bulbs, Daffodils are stunning both in the garden and as cut flowers in the home. If however you are limited for space even the smallest pot or plot can accommodate the miniature Narcissi. Try Thalia or Pipit for unusual and fragrant blooms or plant Paperwhites in container in the house for excellent scent at Christmas time.
5. Crown Imperial Fritillaria
An unusual bulb which looks stunning planted in mixed herbaceous border. Available in 3 colours this majestic plant produces flowers adored by bees in mid to late spring. For best growth always plant these large bulbs on their sides to prevent moisture getting into the crowns.
6. Cammasia
A relatively new species to the everyday bulb range, this stunning delicate blue flower performs well in both pots and borders. Whilst preferring a humus rich soil it ( like many other bulbs) it will suffer greatly if waterlogged. So choose your spot carefully, a bankside or slope is ideal. Once established however they are quick to produce good clumps of flower.
Whilst out shopping for your bulbs, don’t forget to pick up your Winter Onion sets and Christmas seed Potatoes, both of which should be planted soon. These Vegetables are so easy to grow and the potatoes if planted by the end of September should be ready to harvest for delicious new potatoes with your Christmas Turkey. These sets should be grown similarly to the summer potatoes, however take care to prevent water logging and frost damage which is more likely at this time of year.
And now with summer starting to fade, although it does seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas and the new spring ahead it is definitely time to start preparing.
For those that have visited the Garden Centre recently, will have seen little signs already of us getting ready for the Christmas season!
Happy Gardening From Eastfield.