For waves of bright colour consider planting bulbs in clusters and groupings. Since bulbs generally flower before your perennials you may wish to plant some around these plants as they will have the space and time to flower and finish their cycle before your perennials are in full bloom. Do remember to let the foliage from the bulb flowers die off naturally as this is the way the bulb gathers strength to bloom for the following year. Not all bulbs are for spring blooming so insure you read your bulbs packaging so that you get what you are looking for and that you can companion plant based on the the blooming period of the other plants already in your flower bed.
You can even get a little creative and perhaps plant some bulbs around some outcropping of rocks. Try some crocuses in your lawn. If you are not happy once you see the results of your plantings you can always dig up the bulbs once they have flowered and their foliage has died off and plant them in another location.
Your commentary is encouraged and appreciated below or at earthmatters@cornwallfreenews.com
Thank you for pointing out that the pointy end should be in the upright position when bulbs are being planted. I’ve always wondered about that. Eyes are also planted up otherwise how could the plant see the light. Good thinking!
It’s the squirrels, Jacqueline. They took over $80.00 worth of my bulbs last year. I tried, pepper, Cayenne powder and leaving other things for them to eat. They wasted half of my daffs and swallowed all of my crocus. Considering all the work I went to creating a deep bed – my Spring time visual effect was lacking. How do you keep the squirrels out?
Mr. Roy…I have also battled squirrels on a couple occasions…My suggestion is sort of gross to deal with, and only works if you have cats or know someones who does…take the urine out of the litter box and mix it in the soil around your bulbs…the squirrels assume a cat owns the place and steer clear…I worked for me, and one other person I suggested it too…it also failed for another…good luck.
Rocket Roy…some people recommend chicken wire between the bulbs and the soil used to cover them. I read daffodils were poisonous, so squirrels wouldn’t touch them. An old fashioned remedy is to place or dig in some human hair with the soil around your bulbs and on top of the soil covering them. Squirrels do not normally like to hang out with people so the smell will deter them. I’m certain you could get a good supply of hair from your local hairdresser. Good Luck!