It is time to think about spring. Yes I know it seems a little early but spring bulbs need to be planted in the next two months.
The cold night last Thursday was a reminder that autumn is on its way even though it is warm now.
Daffodils are among those that should be planted first are daffodils. Daffodils are probably the best value of all spring bulbs because they are well suited to our climate and should last for many years in the garden and actually increase in beauty and numbers every year.
They are suitable for borders and for naturalising in lawns as well as in pots on the patio.
I like them most in lawns. There is an informality about daffodils that makes them so suitable for growing in a natural setting. Although I love all kinds of daffodils including the fancy doubles, I think that the simpler kinds look best in grass.
When planting in grass it is also an advantage to plant daffodils that bloom early so you do not have to wait so long before you can cut the foliage off, along with the grass. Many people now take part in ‘no-mow May’ and that fits in well with daffodils because by the end of May you can cut back the leaves and they will have fed the bulbs for next year.
Plant the daffodils in drifts with areas to walk between them and do not scatter the over the whole lawn. You can then leave small areas unmown without your whole lawn becoming a hayfield – unless that is what you want.
Remember that daffodil flowers all face towards the light so planting them against a hedge or fence ensures all the flowers will look at you! Leaving some long grass along a hedge is also the best possible situation for wildlife too, rather than in a patch in the middle of mown lawn – though anything is beneficial.
If you are bewildered by the choice of daffodils at Nags Hall, I would suggest you start with ‘Tête-à-tête’. It is a short, bright yellow daffodil that blooms in March so you can cut the grass by late April if you want, and it is a strong grower so will live and increase for many years. Fortunately it is also the least expensive of all daffodils! And if you want to stand out from the crowd, try the double ‘Tête Boucle’ which is just the same but has neat, double flowers in the same shade. I have tried it and it is just as good as the original.
Bulb talks
If you want to know more about bulbs I am delighted to say that I am returning to both Knights Garden Centres this month to give what I hope will be a useful and inspiring talk and to answer your questions. Follow the links below to book your ticket and get more information.
I will be at Betchworth on September 26th
And at Nags Hall, Godstone on September 27th
