Having made a resolution two years ago to plant anything within a week of getting it, I duly shed my sparkly Christmas gear this morning and donned my gardening fleece and clogs. Feel much better for a an hour or so of fresh air, and for knowing that the empty border where the huge thorny rose was will now sport (with any luck) some potentially 6ft tall plants (the persicaria, according to their label) which will afford cutting flowers for a long season. Spalding say that this variety isn't invasive, so I'm hoping that this is borne out. I've always hankered after persicaria, but have been put off by its tendency to spread as I have enough plants hankering after world domination in situ already. Will keep you posted how they get on.
Planted the mixed allium bulbs at the front of the same border - I like to ignore all recommendations for planting distances with bulbs - I just chuck them on the top of the soil and then plant them where they fall as this tends to make them look more naturalistic and unregimented. I've also long since learned to plant them in single groups rather than dotting them about: a single bulb here and there not only looks incredibly lonely but is also a pain when it comes to digging the border.
Mixed Darwin tulips went into the patio border amongst the perennials - they should hopefully like the lighter soil in that area and add a bit of colour early on. I don't usually go for mixed packs as I like to know what colours I'm getting where, so will wait to see what random effect I've created and review my single species policy!
The other small bulbs (grape hyacinths, tete a tete narcissus and mixed irises) have all gone into pots in the greenhouse and cold frame to try to bring them on a bit quicker as they are going in at the very extreme end of their planting period. Also, it will be nice to have them as a moveable feast or even bring them indoors later on if I want some colour for the house.
I'm in love with my compost scoop which I got for Christmas - might save my scaly gardening hands a little over the next few months.
The strains of AC/DC and lego making are permeating the wall between me and the children, so having grabbed my bit of gardening time, I'd better get the soil out from under my nails and get back to the family.
Update 6th January 2013
Nearly two weeks on, and a muscari bulb is already pushing through the compost - those boys love to grow...
I would love it if Santa brought me bulbs! :o) Cold and icy here so I won't be gardening til March, just dreaming about it. I planted about 75 tulips in pots on my patio. I treat them as annuals and try different colors/types each year.
ReplyDeleteHe seems to have done a second visit today - I've now got a spindle bush and four roses waiting to be rehomed. Ta very much Santa!
ReplyDeleteSanta was very good to you, even if you had to plant everything!! So glad I planted all my tulips in pots as the rain has never stopped and they would have rotted away by now!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you there! Let's hope for a better 2013...
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