My Dad always said that planting bulbs in the fall is what kept him alive until spring because there was something wonderful for him to look forward to! We are all so different; we have different color and visual preferences, different tastes, etc. Some, when planning their garden for Spring bloom, they think in terms of 5 or 10 bulbs of each type and end up with several small groups, creating a nice colorful display.
For small garden spaces where one sees this type of garden ‘up close and personal,’ this is one way to design a new garden and the easiest to plan.
Others who may have plenty of garden space enjoy seeing one very large planting of one item, which makes a huge beautiful statement!
Depending on where you garden and what weather you are experiencing, these flowers normally last 2–3 weeks. If the springtime weather stays cool and moist, they could stay in bloom longer.
Planting a mixture of several items won’t make a huge statement, but it will create a very nice statement that lasts a few weeks longer only because each of the bulbs in the mixture is usually genetically programmed to bloom at different times. This is a type of sequential gardening where different flowers in the same mix bloom at different times. Sequential gardening can also be achieved by planting individually named cultivars, one group at a time – early, mid-spring, and late bloomers. But if you plant a mixture, there are techniques to consider.
Normal planting instructions for standard-sized Daffodils and Tulips say to plant 4-5 bulbs per square foot. We have found if we plant a mixture of bulbs that bloom at different times, it may look a bit sparse planted the same way because a smaller percentage will be in bloom at the same time. For some, they understand it, accept it and leave it the way it is, knowing that more blooms are coming, or you can increase the number of bulbs to 6-8 per square foot. This is something you may want to consider, think about, or experiment with.
Styles and Color Palettes for Flower Bulb Gardens
Some gardeners prefer a mixture of bright, hot colors like the ones in the ‘Gloucester Mix’ on the left. Others prefer the standard all yellow like the ‘Rotterdam Mix’ on the right.
And still, others prefer the pastel colors of the ‘Abundant Spring Mix’ below. All give beautiful flowers that grow best in well-drained soil and in full sun. There are so many choices from which to choose!
Meadows have become a very popular planting style to fill a large area with sequential plantings meant to benefit nature’s beneficial insects in addition to giving us some visual pleasure as well.
Our ‘Butterfly Mix’ is a possible choice, which includes various types of Allium bulbs with the addition of Nectaroscordum.
If the ‘natural’ or ‘casual look’ fits your personality or your gardening possibilities, this type of planting may be just what you need.
All of the mixes mentioned above, plus many more can be found in our printed catalogue and on our web store. Browse our blog for more tips on fall bulb planting, design inspiration, and care through the seasons.
