October 22
October
I find this time of the year to be one of the most frustrating of times. First, we have gone to the bother and effort to grow and or plant up our pots, beds and planters with the most attractive and colourful ranges of bedding plants that are just reaching their peak. Then, we have to start uprooting them and throwing them away before the oncoming frosts kill them. Once we do that, we start replacing them with winter bedding plants and spring bulbs, which like the summer displays, we will enjoy throughout the winter and spring months until they have to go. Then, we repeat the whole process again with summer flowering plants.
However, the pleasure we derive from these efforts is well worth it. Last month, I said I would mention some unusual bulbs to consider for both colour and interest.
There are Tulips, and there are Tulips. There is a vast range of different types to choose from, and when deciding, you can select from dwarf types which will flower from mid-March to other varieties that will blossom into May.
My favourites are Parrot tulips and Fringed tulips. These are around 2ft tall and remain quite upright. Another favourite is Multi flowering varieties, especially Marie Antoinette. This is an excellent flowerer, and it usually has 4 or 5 flower heads that start off a pale yellow with a hint of pink at the edges, which expands to turn the flower salmon orange or like Rhubarb and custard.
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The same goes for Daffodils and Narcissus. You can start the season with early dwarf flowering varieties from late February and White Lion, which will still have some flowering into May, and Narcissus Pheasant eye stretches into June. My favourites are Orchid Flowering Narcissus which tend to flower from April into early May.
There are many, many other interesting bulbs like Hyacinths, Crocuses, Muscari, Anemones and many more. However, three particular different ranges do attract attention, like Alliums, they range from 6” in height to over 3ft and can be spectacular and last for weeks. Another range is Fritillaria, the smaller Snakes head at around 10” going to the ‘Crown Imperialis‘ growing over 3ft. Finally, Camassia, which comes in white, dark and light blues, are an asset to any border and will be well admired.
There are so many different bulbs to choose from, and we will have a vast range in stock at varying prices. Set a budget, and let us do the rest.
Tidy Gardens, all your garden needs for a fantastic display of spring colour.
Ewen
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