Quick! With May coming to an end, Autumn is almost over and Winter is on it’s way. If you haven’t planted your bulbs already, it’s time to get busy! Now is the time to put in your last ditch effort to give yourself gorgeous flowers throughout Spring.
What can you plant? There are many different types of bulbs that may appeal. Many bulb plants can be poisonous, so be careful what you choose. Common plants like the daffodil are one of the most frequent causes of accidental poisoning- can you believe that!!?? They contain toxic alkaloids that can cause dizziness, abdominal pain and when eaten, even convulsions. Generally the symptoms are fairly manageable and treatment at home is sufficient, still, you should be careful.
There is also a wide variety of plants that have beautiful fragrances so make gorgeous additions to an already established garden.
Popular springtime bulbs include;
Daffodils- there are many varieties of daffodils, so you can choose one, or plant a mixture throughout your garden for interest. Daffodils generally flower naturally late winter/early spring although you will see some varieties being ‘forced’ to flower earlier in the year commercially. Daffodil day takes place on August 25th and there are always plenty around.
Freesias- freesias blooms are gorgeously delicate and highly perfumed. They are available in a variety of colours. Interestingly after a few seasons, you will find that the coloured varieties will revert back to white/yellow blooms, which is the natural (un-hybridised) version of the species.
Gladioli- long and dramatic blooms. Although not technically a bulb, but a ‘corm’, Gladioli can add a touch whimsy to your garden, almost as though you have fallen down the rabbit hole. They are available in a variety of pastel and bright colours as well as stunning white. Inconveniently, gladioli do not like tap water due to the levels of fluoride. They have been found to be extremely sensitive to fluoride which causes petals edges to deteriorate, florets will not open, and the sheaf burns/yellows or darkens.
Hyacinth- highly perfumed short stemmed blooms in whites, creams, pinks, mauves, blues and violet.
Iris- dramatic leafy spears sprout from the ground opening to striking blue, yellow and white frilly blooms.
Lily of the Valley- are an extremely popular wedding bloom due largely to their divine perfume and delicate appearance. This makes them a gorgeous addition to your garden if these blooms were used in your wedding bouquets, plus as an added bonus, they have lovely lush foliage as well.
Certainly a gorgeous (however not exhaustive) list of bulbs that you could plant in the next couple of weeks. Just think, a little work now, could have outstanding results over the next few months.
Enjoy.
Fwf x
