How to Plant and Care for Flower Bulbs
Flower bulbs are the most fascinating creations of nature, as within their structure, there are all the potentialities to produce beautiful flowers. From the cheerful daffodils that signal the melting snow to the happy-go-lucky tulips that can be found in most formal gardens, flower bulbs will come in a range of colours and shapes in various sizes to fit every taste and style of garden.
All this can be a bit overwhelming to the novice gardener at first but is well worth the effort in the long run. But how does one choose, given that there are so many types? The trick is to consider what is available in the garden and what one likes. Sunlit areas require colourful flowers such as tulips, lilies, while snow drops and beautiful blue bells are suitable for shaded areas. However, not all bulbs are as flexible as the other, but many can adapt to many conditions provided it is well taken care of.
In this case, the quality of the bulbs should be given utmost consideration. Choose specimens that are well rounded and have a good texture without any mould or signs of damage. Bigger bulbs result in even bigger flowers, but the small sizes should not be overlooked. Local garden centres are always a good source of all types of bulbs for the British climate, but the specialist catalogues are likely to provide the most exotic and unusual for those who want something a little different.
It is important that bulbs are planted at the right time of the year. In general, bulbs that bloom in spring should be planted in autumn while summer flowering types should be planted at spring. This should be to give the bulbs a good root before their time to grow. However, this must also be taken with some changes in climate in the region, and the southern part of England may have more time for planting than the northern part of England which is colder.
This is a nice activity to put someone into the rhythm of nature as they plant the bulbs. Many bulbs prefer well-drained soil so organic matter can work wonders to lighten heavy clay. Plant three times deep as the height of bulb is still pretty much taken as a rough guide, but do not be too concerned if it is not very accurate; apparently, bulbs are quite tolerant and can find their own level most of the time.
Do not plant in straight rows for realistic appearance; rather, toss clumps of bulbs and plant them wherever they land. This results in beautiful shades of colour that resemble the natural patterns in art. In formal beds, it could be geometric patterns that offer an aesthetic experience, while in container planting, one can achieve flexibility and variety in arranging the plants within the garden.
After the bulbs have been planted, they do not require much attention, but there is or two things that you must do in order to take care of the bulbs. A thin layer of mulch will help to protect the plant from the severest frost, while a general balanced fertiliser applied as soon as growth begins in the spring will help to promote flowering. Permit the foliage to wither and die after flowering is over, this regenerates the energy within the bulb for the following year’s flowering.
Another advantage of growing bulbs is the potential for what the gardeners call ‘naturalising’- this means that the bulb will spread on its own over the seasons. The daffodil and crocus are especially good at it, painting laws and natural woodland with sheets of colour without much disturbance.
Bulbs are also perfect for people with no garden, a little bit of natural beauty can be brought inside. Force them by giving them a cold treatment followed by warmth, and some will bloom during the winter months, adorning the windowsills and tables with their bright blooms. Hyacinths and paperwhite narcissi are among those that respond well to this kind of treatment and bring fragrance and colour into homes during the dreariest time of the year.
In addition to the beauty of the bulbs, in a progressive world, the bulbs have even more significance than just the beauty of the bulbs. Most of the bulbs that bloom in spring are also among the first plants to provide nectar for pollinators and as such, they are an essential component of wildlife gardens. This is made possible by gardeners assisting in supporting biodiversity while they are given months of ever-changing colour and texture because of the right combination of chosen bulbs in succession.
Last but not the least, flower bulbs provide something rather special-an element of the basic and the exotic, the mundane and the magical. No matter if you are a professional grower or a beginner, there is a bulb for every dream that will help to take your garden to the next level. Therefore, when the first leaves begin to turn and fall, embrace the ambience and look at some of the potentialities within those simple balls. If a little thought and attention is given, one could be well on the way to having a spring show place that would put any English garden to shame.