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As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, autumn is the perfect time to think ahead to your spring garden. Planting bulbs now ensures a vibrant display of flowers to welcome the new season. Whether you're looking to fill borders with bursts of colour or create naturalistic drifts through your garden, here’s how to get started with bulb planting this autumn.
Choosing the right bulbs
For a dazzling spring garden, consider these bulbs:
Tulips: The stars of any spring garden, tulips come in countless varieties, from bold reds to soft pastels. Plant in well-drained soil for a stunning display.
Daffodils (narcissus): Bright, reliable, and easy to grow. Daffodils are a springtime classic, thriving in both full sun and partial shade.
Crocuses: These low-growing gems are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, perfect for naturalising in lawns and borders.
Hyacinths: Known for their intense fragrance, hyacinths add colour and scent to beds and containers.
Snowdrops: One of the earliest bloomers, perfect for woodland settings or borders.
For a more exotic touch, consider fritillaria or alliums, which add striking shapes and height to your spring displays. Anemones and scillas are also great options for creating natural-looking drifts of colour in your garden.
Planting tips
When it comes to planting bulbs, timing and technique are key:
Planting depth: As a general rule, bulbs should be planted at a depth of about two to three times their height. For example, if your bulb is 5cm tall, plant it 10-15cm deep.
Soil and location: Ensure well-drained soil, especially for tulips, which don’t like to sit in water. Most bulbs prefer full sun, but many, like snowdrops and bluebells, will thrive in partial shade.
Watering: Water the bulbs well after planting to help them establish, but don’t overdo it. Too much water can lead to rot.
How our team can help
At Flourish Landscaping, our team of experienced landscapers can help take the guesswork out of bulb planting. With our knowledge of soil types, planting depths, and design aesthetics, we can ensure that your bulbs are planted in the perfect spot for optimum growth and a stunning spring display. Whether it’s creating naturalistic drifts or structured flower beds, we’ve got the expertise to bring your garden to life. Let us do the hard work, so you can sit back and enjoy the results!
Design ideas
Plant bulbs in groups of five or more for maximum impact. Mix early, mid, and late-flowering varieties to extend your display from late winter through to early summer. Consider planting in layers—placing larger bulbs like tulips deeper, with smaller bulbs like crocuses above—to create a tiered effect.
Aftercare
Once bulbs have flowered, allow the foliage to die back naturally. This feeds the bulb for next year’s display. Avoid cutting back the leaves until they’ve fully yellowed. With the right care, your bulbs will come back year after year, bringing more beauty to your garden each spring.
By planting bulbs now, you can look forward to a garden bursting with colour next spring. And if you’d like some expert help, our team is just a phone call away!
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