Last autumn I wanted some addition cheer on the patio for the spring and I felt like experimenting with something new.
The basil and lemon balm had finished in a big aluminium tub so I turfed it all out and started to plant it with bulbs to come up in sequence (I hoped).
This was taken on 17 February 2021 and already the garden was starting to brighten up. I was getting slightly impatient with my new planter but now at least I had some crocus and the Hyacinths were poking through.
It was not until 1 March 2021 that I thought – yes this might work.
Three days later and I can even see the tulips coming through.
On the 9 March 2021 I judged the display to be at its height.
Today 19 March the display was starting to go over with the Hyacinths finishing.
I decided to measure the pot (51 centimetres or 20 inches diameter by 29 centimetres or 11.5 inches tall) and dig out my bulb packets as I was sure someone would ask me how many bulbs I had planted.
Starting at the bottom, I planted 8 early pink “Candy Prince” tulips and 8 late “Mount Tacoma” tulips. Hold on! There seems to be an extra packet of tulips unaccounted for. Where are the 8 double white late “Mount Tacoma” tulips?
It looks like there are more tulips to come! Better late than never.
Anyway, after the tulips I put a packet of 10 mixed Hyacinths. Then 10 Muscari and finally 20 Crocus “Sieberi”.
I’ve had a lot of fun planting and watching the bulbs grow. I don’t know whether they should be left until the autumn,then tipped out and sorted for planting elsewhere or whether they could survive to reflower in the pot next year.
I think there are too many bulbs to be left but I would really love to hear from anyone who has done this before or has some experience with spring bulbs.
a french garden 