We’re well into September if you can believe it and the official, first, full day of fall is September 22nd! When it comes to fall gardening activities, bulb selection and planting hits the top of the list.
If you’re like me, and don’t know where to start…let’s dig into the following considerations:
5 Tips for Boast-worthy Bulbs
Don’t be afraid to put on a show and announce the coming of spring. Even with a small space, you can make it purposeful by having the bulbs present themselves as outdoor bouquets of color. The more intentional we are about the groups, the better impact we have in flower and appeal. For example, with tulips, we suggest planting no less than five bulbs per square foot.
Presentation takes priority over spacing. We’ve never heard of anyone comment on how they appreciated their tulips being planted on a consistent 4-6 inch grid. However, we do remember the delight revealed from feedback on how the collective composition presented itself and exceeded expectations. That is our goal. For this to happen, we encourage you to be brave enough so we can artistically express it.
The combination of companions are as expansive as our imaginations can take us. From hellebores and heucherella to violas, virginia bluebells, ferns to phlox, bulbs love bringing buddies along with them. The interplay of greens as the foliage unfurls, in combination with the purity of colors the bulbs bring, enhances the composition and extends the visual appeal.
From spring into summer, our days are now filled with the anticipation of what will be revealed next. In addition, we discover the strategy behind the sequencing of bloom times and how the community of plants relate one to the other.
We all have more familiarity with traditional bulb displays-the ones done in mass or laid out in planting patterns reminiscent of the “bedding out” influence of the Victorian Era.
A tried and true approach, but not all settings or situations lend themselves to such formality. In fact, given the opportunity to work within the context of a more naturalized setting; certain bulbs work wonders planted as informal drifts. Allowing them to over-seed or multiply as brushstrokes of beauty across the terrain.
Such naturalized options make our bulb plantings even more engaging. As we while away our winter days, we’re eager to discover the first indications of spring within our own naturalized areas. Out along the edges appear the first snowdrops. In and amongst the fresh grass come the crocus. Further within the glade we find drifts of scilla, mini daffodils, grape hyacinths along with an artistic scattering of heirloom Narcissus poeticus or Jonquil. All plated within the context of the setting and left to meander and multiply on their own terms.
scilla
daffodils
grape hyacinth
Color selection is one of the most personal decisions we make (together) when designing a garden or space. We all have our individual preferences. We also know that two people can be looking at the same color and experience distinct differences. All of which makes having a condensed written conversation on color difficult, if not impossible. We like the quote from artist, Lydia Neuman, when she says that color selection is, “the simultaneous exercise of intuition and intellect”.
Since gardening is both a science and an art, we match up well with Lydia’s reliance on both intuition and intellect. Bulbs give us a broad palette of hues, values and saturations to select from. Fold in the crisp, clear light of a springtime and the color qualities of the compositions are even further enhanced.
So when it comes to color…we respect what is required to give you the options in play to pick from in turn to personalize your own celebration of the season.
Alliums are some of the most under utilized bulbs when it comes to stretching the season. Some bloom into July and they are very communal within an assortment of planting compositions.
The impact of Alliums can be architecturally striking in both height and flower. But this bulb is even more so visually enchanting. This occurs when we select the smaller alliums to dance above the emerging foliage of other perennials in place. Most all Allium come in purple, or a variation of purple, but some can also be light blue or yellow as in allium moly, also known as lily leek.
All are far too outstanding not to include in your fall bulb plantings. Alliums help us bridge the gap between the end of spring and the full onset of summer.
We’d love to help introduce you to these treasures, as we stretch the season along with enjoyment of them.
Like us on Facebook today for more tips and tricks about boast-worthy bulbs. You can also call 402-457-6492 or email hello@kinghorngardens.com to start planning your boast-worthy garden today!
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