Advice
Naturalising bulbs
Naturalised
bulbs can give interest to areas of the garden that otherwise
might not be given over to flowering plants.
Under deciduous trees you can use bulbs that flower in spring or autumn when the trees have few leaves to cast deep shade. Suitable bulbs include anemones, crocuses and scillas and hardy cyclamen such as C. hederifolium and C. coum.
In areas of grass choose bulbs that complete their growth early, such as crocus or robust species that can compete with the grass. Most of the larger daffodil hybrids do well in grass but leave at least six weeks after flowering before mowing.
When
planting bulbs for naturalising scatter them randomly over
the chosen area and plant them where they fall. As these bulbs
will be in place for several years avoid planting too close
as overcrowding will reduce flowering. Dig planting holes
with a trowel or, in grassed areas, use a bulb planter. If
possible break up the underside of the core to cover the bulb
with loose soil. Plant bulbs about three times the depth of
the bulb as shallow planting tends to weaken the bulbs as
they are more prone to drying out.
When planting small bulbs, such as crocus, in areas of grass, lift or roll back sections of turf. Fork over the soil and add a little balanced fertiliser. If possible, score the underside of the turf with a hand fork to loosen the soil before replacing it. Firm the turf by hand or by gently tamping with the back of a rake.