Autumn is here - think Spring!

By Sandy Felton
As we prepare for the long haul of winter it is difficult sometimes to think of the spring, but that is just what gardeners need to be doing now. As we enter October it is the time to be planting spring bulbs. There is nothing to warm the heart more than colourful daffodils and tulips as the cold winter subsides and there is a host of other bulbs you can consider too for a cheerful start to next year.

My one argument against bulbs is that you have to wait for their foliage to die down after flowering and this can make the garden look untidy. So now I plant in pots and position them around the garden for the most effect. I have to confess that I have often left bulbs in pots over summer and then brought them out again before the next winter. Daffodil bulbs don't mind being left in the ground although you may lose tulips if you treat them in the same way.

Now is the time to visit your garden center and see what they have on offer.

Crocus need to be planted in September/October. You can leave them in year after year and they will need very little looking after. They also make an excellent choice for pots.

Narcissus is the botanical name for daffodils. There are over a thousand varieties. If you are particularly fond of daffodils you may wish to go to a specialist firm who can supply you with unusual varieties.

You can force daffodils to flower from Christmas. Pot them up in a bowl and plant near the top of the compost. Water and place in a dark place which is cool until you see shoots appear. Take them into the light where it is warm and they will quickly flower. By placing Narcissus bulbs in pots or in the garden now you can achieve a lovely display from early New Year to late February and
even beyond.

Tulips are grouped according to time of flowering and height, shape and colour. They usually start coming into their own from April, although with our warmer early spring you may get them coming earlier. As with daffodils you can get miniature varieties which look great in pots.

Alliums are always a firm favourite in the garden and they last a long time too. They are really ornamental onions and they flower late spring and have round heads of lovely lilac flowers. There is also a white variety.

Another pretty spring flowering plant is the fritillaria. These lovely plants belong to the lily family. They will flower April-May and have a delicate beauty with hanging bells of chequered flowers in all sorts of shades.

For something unusual try Ixia. Corms can be planted now for flowering April to May. However if you live in a more northern climate where it can be harsh in the winter then plant in Spring for June and July flowering.

If you buy bulbs in a shop or supermarket check the packet for instructions. Be careful, because some bulbs only flower once. The packet will tell you. If you buy loose from a nursery or garden centre check that the bulb is sound.

Finally why not combine bulbs in pots with heathers or evergreens for a brilliant spring display.