Spectacular Bulb Gardens!
These little powerhouses of color have arrived at Parkview Nursery! Color is the key when planting bulbs in October. You probably know the three basic bulb design ideas:
- Group bulbs together for masses of color;
- Plant low growing bulbs in front of taller ones; and
- Create plantings with an eye to how they will look from both far away and nearby.
If you want to go beyond the basics, here are some tips for a most spectacular spring garden!
Color Blocking: Set off mass displays of one color against mass displays of another.
Geometric Plantings: Use masses of bulbs grouped together by color to create geometric shapes in a bed.
Constant Containers: Plant bulbs according to bloom times in multiple containers. When blooms in a container fade, replace them with other containers you can move into place.
Free Standing Islands: Flower displays in oval or other shapes in the middle of a lawn can have a dramatic effect.
Interplanting: Mix bulb plantings in with summer flowering bulbs and perennials to liven up otherwise drab areas in spring. Interplant perennials that will come into leaf just in time to mask the withering bulb foliage.
How to Plant Bulbs
Bulbs must be in soil that drains well. Use Master Nursery Bumper Crop to improve drainage and soil texture, and add EB Stone Organics Bulb Food to provide a slow release of nutrients.
Select sites that will receive at least half a day of sun in the winter (under deciduous trees is fine). In general, plant bulbs 2-3 times as deep as the height of the bulb.
Bulbs will rot if left sitting in water. Water immediately after planting, and then let the rains take over. Watch the magic happen in your garden this winter and spring! It’s so easy!!