Bul-ba-licious
Stuff your pots with bulbs!
Bulb lasagne, double-decker containers, parfait pots (me riffing), whatever you call them, is essentially the best of spring crammed in a pot, and the show goes on for months on end. You simply must try it, and it is fun and easy!
Bulb lasagnas, are a must try!
The Idea
The smallest bulbs and the earliest to bloom are at the top. ie crocus or iris reticulata
The largest bulbs and the latest to bloom are at the bottom ie tulips
And everyone else is in the middle ie daffodils
How To:
Placing broken pottery or stones at the bottom helps with drainage and stops the roots from blocking the drain hole. (This pot measures 16” in diameter and about 14” high). I placed 4” of potting soil at the bottom. Start by setting your largest bulbs at the bottom and work your way up adding about 4” inches of soil to each new layer of bulbs. Leave about 2” space at the top for a clean layer of gravel or grit. All done! I place my pots on the side of the house, out of sight, and then bring them out to the back door when they sprout.
February - March
iris reticulata, muscari, fritillaria, crocus, snowdrops, and siberian squill
April-May
daffodils, early tulips, hyacinths, blue bells
May-June
There are so many incredible varieties of tulips out there. Experiment with shape, variety, color and bloom time!
Where to buy your bulbs:
If you don’t already have a favorite source, here are my top four spots.
Color Blends, Dutch Bulbs, Van Engelen, and Longfield Gardens.
Tips
TIP #1: When I plant just tulip pots, I will often finish the pot with pansies. The bulbs will have no problem spearing through the roots of the pansies. It is such a lovely combo!
TIP #2: I plant up several ‘bulb bags’ in the fall, which I use to pop around the garden in the spring when I need some extra color or cheer. I use recycled felt bags found at nurseries; they are light and portable.
Felt bulb bags placed around a spring garden for more color!
Start small, buy lots of bulbs, and Get Dirty!