Bulbs that shine bright

I HATE TO mention autumn tasks, because it seems the same as announcing the end of the summer. And I know I’m not alone in being reluctant to let go of this particular season: it has been such a therapeutic one, coming after a hard winter and late spring, and in the midst of a recession. But the garden has its own calendar, too.

So, it’s time to put regrets behind us, and think about next spring’s bulbs. First of all, a buyer-beware message: I know that the cheapest bulbs are available at supermarkets and DIY shops, but they are often not of the same grade as those sold by horticultural specialists. They may be smaller (and produce smaller flowers), and be in mixtures, rather than in single colours.

If you are new to bulb-planting, focus on getting a spread of different varieties, so that your spring display lasts from February to May. Snowdrops and crocuses are the earliest bloomers, and both are suitable for naturalising in grass – although not in strongly-growing, very thick lawn. They are best in less dense grass, such as that under deciduous trees. If you don’t mind not mowing for a few months, you can follow these with daffodils and then bluebells. Daffodils for naturalising should be the simpler kinds that flutter and dance in the breeze. Wordsworth’s were the wild daffodil or lent lily, Narcissus pseudonarcissus. Other suitable varieties include N. bulbicodium, N. obvallaris, N. ‘Actea’ and N. poeticus var. recurvus (these last two are the early and late forms of the pheasant’s eye daffodil). If you are buying bluebells, choose the more delicate and deeper-hued native “English” one (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) rather than its beefy Spanish cousin (H. hispanica). Remember that the leaves of all these plants feed the bulbs for next year, so they must be left for at least six weeks, or – ideally – be allowed to die off in their own time. If you don’t have a lawn that you can avoid cutting for up to half a year, then grow the bulbs in ribbons or pools, and mow around them. Or plant them on slopes and other areas that are difficult to get at with lawn machinery.

Other spring bulbs that do well in grass are small anemones such as A. blanda and A. nemorosa, glory of the snow (Chionodoxa), snowflake (Leucojum) and small species kinds of tulips. Starry-blue Camassia and the checkered snake’s head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) are two choice naturalisers that need moist soil.

My own garden doesn’t have enough lawn for bulbs, so we grow ours in the borders, or in containers. Those large, black plastic pots (five litres or more) in which shrubs are sold are ideal, as they can be popped into empty spaces behind other plants, and the dark surface of the pot is nearly invisible. Or you can slide them into a more attractive receptacle if you want to have a bulb display on your steps or patio. Container culture is also a good idea where you are trying new bulb varieties, and are not sure how the flowers are going to look. If you like them, they can be planted in a permanent position in the garden where they will flower in the following years. If you’re not keen on them, they can be tossed onto the compost heap.

Most bulbs will perennialise, that is, last for several years. Many of the large tulips, however, are one-hit wonders, so it is best to jettison them after they flower and to buy anew each autumn. The following groups are the exceptions, and can usually be relied upon to reappear, providing they get enough moisture after blooming: Darwin hybrid, Fosteriana, Greigii and Kaufmanniana.

It is recommended that tulips are not planted until November, but do buy them now, and keep them in a cool place. All other spring bulbs (and early-summer alliums) can go into the ground immediately. Plant them about three times the depth of the bulb, pointy end up. Then wait, and yours shall be a hope-filled spring.

jpowers@irishtimes.com

BUY BULBS ONLINE

Bulbs are available by mail order from the following Irish companies (order online, or phone for a catalogue):

Mr Middleton: mrmiddleton.com; 01-8603674 Heritage Bulbs: heritagebulbs.com; 01-8600400

DIARY DATES

Sunday, September 26th, 2-5pm: Hen Party at The Bay Garden, Camolin, Co Wexford. Talks on poultry; hens, hen runs and and accessories for sale; garden open in aid of Wexford Women’s Refuge; end of season plant sale. thebaygarden.com; 053-9383349.

Saturday, October 2nd: fund raising day at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, for the University of Talca Botanic Gardens, Chile, damaged by an earthquake earlier this year. The day includes a lecture on the Glasnevin Chile expedition, workshops on planning next year’s vegetables and preparing the garden for winter, plant clinic, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the nursery. Fee: €50 (does not include lunch). Booking essential: 01-8570909.