Bulbs have been dominating my thoughts for a couple of weeks now not least because my bulb orders arrived about several weeks ago and until two days ago I hadn’t got around to opening the boxes and checking the orders. Last weekend I was distracted with taking down hanging baskets and potting up tender plants to overwinter so this weekend was earmarked for planting bulbs. There was only one problem I couldn’t remember where I had intended to plant the bulbs I had ordered. (Note to self – next year make a list of what you are ordering and where you are planning to put them!!).
Today I unpacked the boxes and collected up the other bags of bulbs I have bought. (Another note to self – when buying bulbs at the Autumn Show take a pen and write on the bag of bulbs what they are this will save time when you are struggling to decide which are Narcissus Paperwhite and which Camassia Alba.) Anyway, as I unpacked the boxes some of my plans managed to struggle back into my consciousness so I decided to start with those.
Muscari latifolium – I have planted these in the front garden amongst a strip a Alchemilla Mollis which adorn the feet of my beech hedge. I was pleased this year with how the Alchemilla flowers picked up the young foliage of the Beech but I wanted something to add a bit of interest earlier on. Hopefully the Muscari will spread through this area adding some early Spring interest and then the Alchemilla foliage can cover up the decaying Muscari foliage – we will see.
Camassia Alba – as I have probably said before I want some spring interest on the slope but wanted a little height and something that wouldn’t fall over in the slightest gust of wind. Hopefully these Camassia will do the trick.
Narcissus Hawera – these have been planted along the edge of the gravel path so their scent will be smelt when you go to the pond and also as this area gets full sun in the summer and I understand that they like that sort of environment.
Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ - I planted 10 of these in the border along the driveway to finish of a drift which I have been adding to over the last couple of years. I have 5 bulbs left but I can’t decide where to put them so I’m going to grow them on in plastic pots for putting out in the border when I have a clue where they should go.
Narcissus Actaea - these have been planted in two locations in the front garden, some by the drive and the rest in the far border where hopefully the red of the ‘Pheasants Eye’ will be picked up by the red/orange Primulas I have in this border.
I still have tulips to plant but it is too early for them, some Gladiolus communis sssp byzantinus which I can’t for the life of me remember where I was thinking of planting (and there are 20!), a Erythronium dens canis ‘Snowflake’ and a bag of Narcissus Thalia. As I am planning a lot of plant moving over the next couple of weeks I am loath to plant the Narcissus and Erythronium out yet so I think that I will pot these up for the time being until my reorganising is finished.
I am now feeling a little happier and not so guilty every time I go into the dining room and see the boxes of bulbs but it was obviously playing on my conscience as when I was getting ready for my botanical art class this week and had to come up with something to take I took some Narcissus Actaea bulbs; after all they won’t rot for a while which will give me plenty of time to draw them. My tutor wants me to do a detailed drawing and then apply a watercolour wash but at least that is two less bulbs to plant out for now!
Why is it that we all order far too many bulbs? Not too many to look at in spring but so, so many to PLANT! My bulb order arrived last week (I had asked for them to be delivered mid-October- ho hum!) I started today too but it will take a while.
Look forward to seeing the photos in spring.
That’s an impressive haul of bulbs! Should keep you busy for a while… Really like the sound of your Muscari/Alchemilla mollis combo and envy your Camassia plans – should look stunning. I lost mine, but hope to replenish, maybe next year. Very impressed by your drawing .
Dear Helen, One can never have too many bulbs. In my experience, most people call a ‘drift’ the odd bulb or two whereas one needs tens, twenties, hundreds [well probably hundreds is a luxury] to produce anything like an effect. I think that your choice of bulbs sounds to be most exciting and the Alchemilla used as a cover for the Muscari will I hope work well for you. The Camassia Alba would be my favourites and I could certainly NEVER have enough of them as my garden is far too small!
Hey Helen,
Congrats on getting your bulbs in, I’m intending on getting mine done over the next few days sometime – I had ear-marked Friday but the weather was shocking. I ought to have done it today really.
I can relate to your problems of not knowing where or what exactly you got… Having the same problem here!
Looking forward to seeing your spring show… Only a few months to wait
All of the bulbs you purchased are particular favourites of mine. I wish my bulb order had come in a couple weeks ago, I have ordered 1,000 crocus tommasianus and I want to start planting. If I do 100 per day only 10 days, and I want to start before it gets really cold outside. We have had snow in November before, and I do not want to be planting in that. It is a bit annoying when you are still waiting for your bulb order to arrive, and the big box stores are discounting some of the very varities you have ordered by mail!
That drawing is excellent! Being garden-less for the next couple of months, I’m very jealous of all your bulb planters
Bulbs as a still life – yet another good reason for buying them. As if a gardener needs yet another excuse!
Hi Helen, yes, opening a box of bulbs can be so exciting…
I AM jealous – your tasty bulb parcel has already got to you! Wonderful selection you have there.
I believe that the more bulbs the better. Nothing’s as beautiful as the masseffect!
Only two items of my bulb order have arrived so far and I await the rest with eager anticipation. Have been in that position of brown paper bags containing bulbs before and guessing what they are. It’s all part of the fun
It sounds as if your garden will have some fine new additions come the spring.
Oh, I so understand. My online orders haven’t started arriving yet, but they will soon, and I’ll be feeling guilty I haven’t got them in pots or on in the ground. I don’t know quite what I’d do without bulbs.~~Dee