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In botanical terms a bulb is a shoot, surrounded by
tightly packed leaves arranged roughly in a sphere,
with fine roots issuing from beneath. In some instances
the leaves simply overlap each other; examples of these
so-called scaly bulbs are lilies and fritillaries. In
both cases these leaves are storage organs containing
reserve food to nourish foliage and flowers. Corms,
for example crocuses, gladiolus and colchicums, are
storage organs composed of a thickened stem base; tubers,
for example dahlias and begonias, are swollen underground
branches with `eyes' (buds) from which new plants are
produced. Zantedeschias and some irises grow from rhi
zomes, which are swollen underground stems from which
a number of flowering stems arise. Bulbs are planted
at different depths according to type. Most like sun
or light shade and thrive in light, naturally rich soil.
They should not be planted in contact with crude manure.
COLOUR THE YEAR ROUND Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
appear in the middle of winter, closely followed by
the bright yellow flowers of the winter aconite (Eranthis
hyemalis). Crocuses, scillas and chionodoxas enliven
the cold bright days of very early spring, and then
the glorious daffodil comes into its own. Daffodils
- the genus Narcissus - have, like roses and chrysanthemums,
attracted an enormous fan club, not only because of
their individual beauty, but also their extraordinary
variety. Most people are unaware of the range of narcissus
(daffodils, strictly speaking, are narcissus whose central
trumpet is as long as the surrounding petals). There
are far too many individual species - about 60 - to
describe here, but mention of three will demonstrate
their diversity (and there are hundreds of hybrids as
well). N. bulbocodium, at most 15cm/ 6in high, is unique,
with leaves like chives. Very long, curved stamens protrude
from Z.Scm/1 in trumpets that open wide, almost concealing
the tiny petals. The poet's narcissus, N. poeticus,
reaches 45cm/18in with white petals but bright red,
frilly cups. An old favourite is the hybrid N. x odorus
(campernelle jonquil), 45cm/18in high, with 2-3 large,
scented flowers to each stem. From this the richly scented,
brightly, coloured form `Sweetness' has been developed.
Muscari, scilla, hyacinth and leucojum bring flourishes
of blue, white, yellow and pink to the spring garden.
For adding oranges and reds to the picture (as well
as subtle hues of pink, yellow and cream), tulips cannot
be bettered. Like daffodils, they have their devoted
followers and display a dazzling variety of forms.
Blue, purple, yellow and white, irises bloom from late
spring into summer. And in summer the colour range is
stretched to the limit when gladioli and lilies come
into bloom. These beautiful flowers are much used for
indoor decoration but because of their height and erect
habit must placed with care in the border. Lilies look
splendid grouped together, rather than trying to integrate
them, perhaps with a low-growing plant with decorative
leaves at their feet. Clumps of the shorter gladiolus
hybrids can be set in the middle of a mixed border,
especially if offset with the interesting foliage of
Alchemilla mollis or Euphorbia robbiae.
A garden with dahlias will never lack for autumn colour.
These beautiful flowers come in a range of gorgeous
colours and in a number of different forms, from neat
pompons to the open anemone-flowered types. They bloom
freely until the first frosts. Colchicums (autumn crocus)
provide a subtler alternative for informal and cottage
gardens. After they have faded, it is a matter of weeks
before snowdrops reappear and the cycle begins again.
BULBS IN CONTAINERS Because of their varying
sizes and flowering times, bulbs can be used in almost
any part of the garden. They, are also excellent for
tubs, window-boxes and troughs. Miniature species are
particularly well suited to containers which can be
set at a level where tiny plants, which would be overlooked
in the border, can be appreciated. An alpine garden
in a trough could include the very early flowering Iris
histrioides or Narcissus juncifolius. Some of the most
brilliant effects are achieved by planting numbers of
a single species in one container, so that they all
flower at the same time. In fact, bulbs look best set
in groups whatever the situation. Dwarf tulips with
interesting foliage look marvellous in stone troughs
or half-barrels. Try T. clusiana, the lady tulip, with
narrow grey-green leaves and white flowers flushed red,
or T. greigii, whose grey-green leaves are marbled purple
and brown, the flowers vivid red.
LIFTING BULBS Some bulbs, such as gladiolus, are
not hardy enough to withstand the winter in very cold
areas, and must be lifted and stored. In formal bedding
schemes bulbs are lifted when they are past their best
in order to make way for the next feature, and when
bulbs are congested they can be lifted, their offsets
detached, and replanted at greater distances. Generally,
however, bulbs can be left undisturbed for many years,
another characteristic that endears them to modern gardeners
with little time to spare for demanding planting schemes.
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