It's that time again when a visit to a garden centre makes you think you have entered a time warp! Everything is geared up to selling for that festival - the one that occurs at the end of December - in another two almost three months - no I will not mention the C word or the X word in this post!
You'd think the clue was in the title Garden Centre wouldn't you? You could be forgiven for entering expecting to see all things garden related - instead you have to battle your way through lots of shiny, twinkly objects before finding what you have come for. Bulbs! Not the little coloured light variety but the sort that you plant in the garden. Oh for our newly closed 'proper' nursery.
Anyway back to all things garden related. I had already bought some bulbs online - mainly for the blue and white border. You may remember that this is the theme that I chose for the border under the Malus Profusion crab apple tree. I must admit the border has been a bit disappointing. It looked good in spring and I planted lots of new perennials that should have given a good summer display but that never really happened. No doubt the weather had something to do with it - I just hope the plants are quietly surviving and will come into their own next year!
Anyway I decided to add some spring bulbs to the border. Last year I couldn't find any miniature white daffodils locally or white lily tulips so I ordered these online. I chose narcissus- Silver Chimes and Thailia and tulip - Triumphator.
I also ordered a collection of dwarf lilies and some Dutch Irises that were on offer. A collection of mixed tulips (destined for the plot as cut flowers) and some narcissus Minnow were free with my order.
Anyway back to the grotto - oops sorry - garden centre visit. Guess what? This year there were lots of white daffodils so I chose another two varieties - Erlicheer (someone couldn't spell) and Tresamble. I could have ordered these online but I felt guilty about how much I was spending.
For the blue element I bought some muscari - Dark Eyes, crocus - Blue Pearl and miniature iris - Alida.
The free narcissus - Minnow, the Dutch iris collection and the newly bought narcissus - Dickcissel are destined for the front garden bed. Although a few Minnow have been planted in the pebble garden. They shouldn't grow more than 20cm tall so should be in proportion. If not I can always dig them up and move them.
The blue and white bulbs have now been planted but the front garden bed poses a bit of a problem. I don't want to disturb bulbs that are already planted so I've planted the bulbs for this into pots so I can plant each clump when I know where the spaces are - I hope there are enough spaces or I'll be in trouble!
Now I'm not venturing into another garden centre until January!
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Our local Garden Centre is just the same. Regrettably it is now part of a national chain, and no doubt the management insist on getting the Cxxxxxxxs merchandise out as soon as possible. I have bought more Iris Reticilata this year, including a very pale one. Also a load of short-stemmed narcissi, suitable for growing in pots.
ReplyDeleteGlad you didn't use the word, Mark!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice selection of bulbs. I'll no doubt be kicking myself again when spring comes and I've missed the boat for another year. I just can't seem to get myself in to gear at this time of year and get any bulbs planted. I must try harder. I went to Saville's for lunch with a friend on Thursday and they were just putting their seasonal goods out. Where are you buying your essentials from now that Swillington has closed?
ReplyDeleteSo far - I've bought bulbs from Victoria Garden Centre near Featherstone (we have a sage card which entitles us to 10% off anything bought and also free drinks and meals every so often - you pay £10 membership but can recoup that just in coffees) and our compost is coming mainly from Carr Gate which is just one stop down the motorway for us so quite convenient.
DeleteCouldn't find any decent wallflowers though - no doubt we'll have to sow seed next year.
I really think anything resembling the 'c' word should be banned by law until the 1st of December in public faces. I just don't think it's fair on children when they start seeing everything and then have to wait months for anyone to arrive!!
ReplyDeleteThe bulbs look lovely though....glad you managed to get a nice selection...and if they don't all fit in the front bed I'm sure you'll find somewhere to put them!
I'll definitely find somewhere Tanya. When I was teaching there were no C word activities until 1 December. I think it just puts pressure on everyone to have it flaunted so early. Especially when they start with the accompanying music.
DeleteI find it flatly depressing that such a large chunk of our economy apparently depends on flogging as much tat as possible, in the name of a mad hodge-podge of ideas involving the son of god and a lad dressed in red from some northerly outpost. The get-together-with-the-family bit is fine, but I'd love to do away with the frothy prelude.
ReplyDeleteOn a brighter note, sounds like you'll have some nice colour next year!
Looks like I'm not the only bah-humbug eh Lee?
DeleteWow! I am so excited to plant these. I am glad you shared such post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYour bulb varieties look great. I'm a fan of muscari; mine see to flower for ages.
ReplyDeleteThe last lot of muscari I planted seemed to disappear Kelli so I have fingers crossed for this lot
DeleteI think your border will look splendid with the array of bulbs you have bought. I spent last weekend planting bulbs just have another 50 tulips to go in - then I am finished.
ReplyDeleteI still have the tulips to plant on the plot Elaine.
DeleteThat's alot of blue flower collection! Beautiful for borders!
ReplyDeleteJust hope they live up to their promise Malar
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