Autumn is the perfect time to think about a vibrant spring. Planting spring bulbs now lays the foundation for a garden blooming with colour early in the year. A clever combination of bulbs will ensure continuous flowering from late February to early June. Planting spring bulbs? Do it now and enjoy the results later!
February: the first colours of the year
Some bulbs, such as snowdrops (Galanthus), winter aconites (Eranthis) and crocuses, are real early birds. They often bloom as early as February and herald the end of winter. Plant these bulbs at the edges of borders, in grass or under deciduous shrubs.
March and April: a joyous celebration of spring
The garden really bursts into life in March and April. Daffodils (Narcissus) are real crowd pleasers and come in all sorts of colours, shapes and flowering periods. By combining early and late varieties, you can extend the flowering time considerably.
Hyacinths are also a good choice for this period. They’re beautiful and have a gorgeous scent. Of course, tulips are also a must. Opt for a mix of varieties with different flowering times.
May and June: the finale
Many people think that flower bulbs bloom mainly in March and April, but some bulbs can be enjoyed in May and even early June. The allium’s purple flowers provide a lovely contrast to the green and are real bee magnets. Wild hyacinth (Camassia) is also a late-flowering plant that does well in more natural gardens with damp soil.
Tips for a long-flowering garden
- Look at flowering times: The flower bulb packaging usually indicates when the variety blooms.
- Plant in layers: By planting bulbs at different depths in the ground (known as the ‘lasagna method’), you can combine several varieties in one spot.
- Think about bees and insects: Many flower bulbs are valuable food sources for early bees. Choose varieties with open flowers, such as botanical crocuses or alliums.
- Combine bulbs with perennials: Allow the foliage of spent bulbs to die back slowly. By combining bulbs with perennials, you can camouflage foliage while your garden continues to bloom.
