Spring flowering bulbs are easy to plant and grow, and give a lot of pleasure for many years. Daffodils are most people’s first choice, for naturalising in grass in open situations. Snowdrops, bluebells, aconites and cyclamen are better in partial shade, while tulips need warm sunny sites. Parks, hospital and school grounds, and roadside verges are suitable sites, but check that the existing flora is not of high wildlife value. Bulbs can be obtained in bulk from garden centres and specialist bulb suppliers. Some bulbs may have been gathered illegally from the wild in the Uk or abroad, so before purchase, ask the supplier to provide proof of their origin.
For most species, organise the planting week during September, and as early as possible after the bulbs can be obtained, to ensure a good success rate.
When choosing sites for daffodils, remember that the leaves must be left to die down naturally, for the display to continue year after year. Choose areas where the grass can be left uncut until early summer, when the daffodil leaves have died down. Don’t plant in areas which are heavily grazed, as the bulbs will not survive. Many varieties of daffodils are available, in a range of heights, colours and flowering season. Plant in groups, each dominated by one variety, rather than mixing the varieties throughout the planting. This will give visual interest, especially when viewed from a distance.
When planting, throw a handful of bulbs onto the ground to produce a natural scattering. Don’t plant in rows or patterns! Planting through turf is hard work, especially with an ordinary trowel. It may be easier to remove a turf with a spade, plant the bulbs using a trowel, and then replace the turf. Trowel-size bulb planters are available, but can also be hard to use through turf. Spade-size planters, pushed in by the foot, are more successful, but rather specialised and expensive. Ensure that the bulbs are planted at the correct depth for the species, as advised by the supplier.
Tipton, West Midlands
The Tipton TCV office organised a bulb week, enlisting the help of local primary school children to plant thousands of bulbs. Sites include the grounds of a retirement home, where hyacinths, crocuses and tulips were planted, and a local park, where clusters of daffodils were planted beneath the trees. The week culminated in a free bulb give-away and activity day in the Jubilee Park Centre, which attracted around 200 visitors. Other local groups joined TCV to run quizzes, face-painting and environmental arts and crafts. The highlight of the day was a musical parade of children wearing costumes and carrying banners they had made themselves. The parade wound between the trees, following a saxophonist and drummer to gather round a storyteller. The week was a tremendous success in encouraging so many chidren to have an active role in improving their environment, and enjoying themselves at the same time.
