Summer Flowering Bulbs
Planting a border of small-flowering bulbs offers a beautiful and low-maintenance alternative to a herbaceous border. Discover the benefits and beauty within.
TL;DR
Planting a border of small-flowering bulbs can be a great alternative to a herbaceous border.
- Enjoy a charming display throughout the summer months
- Little maintenance required, with the removal of perennial weeds and yearly mulching
- No need for staking and tying tall-growing plants
Those who are finding that the herbaceous border is occupying too much of their spare time, for these are days when but few of us can afford a gardener, would do well to consider planting a border of the small-flowering bulbs. By using a strip of ground sheltered by a wall or hedge, or by planting in shortly cut grass under a row of deciduous trees, it will be possible not only to enjoy a most charming display throughout the summer months entirely from the small-flowering bulbs, but all the year round.
Provided the perennial weeds are removed as soon as they can be seen, there will be little else to do but to enjoy the display, which will be both varied and interesting. A yearly mulch with peat or leaf mould will keep down most of the annual weeds so making hoeing and digging completely unnecessary.
There will be no need for any staking and tying of tall-growing plants for none need be planted that will flower above 15 in. high. No one loves an herbaceous border more than myself, but the everlasting digging and dividing, staking and tying whenever a strong wind blew took up far too much time and rather than see the border take on a neglected, untidy appearance, it was removed entirely and planted with as large a variety of the small-flowering bulbs as possible.
With flowering trees and shrubs for a background, the result has far exceeded my expectations – the bulbs produce a riot of colour and there is at least some variety in bloom throughout the year. A large border is not necessary for the enjoyment of a wide range of plants. I have seen an equally delightful effect when the small beds at the side of a garden path have been planted with an all-year-round selection, with the Juliae primroses and various saxifrages for a soil covering.
Those who are finding that the herbaceous border is occupying too much of their spare time, for these are days when but few of us can afford a gardener, would do well to consider planting a border of the small-flowering bulbs.
More Information on Summer Flowering Bulbs
Extended Information on Summer Flowering Bulbs Planting a border of small-flowering bulbs can not only be a beautiful alternative to a herbaceous border but also provide interesting and lesser-known benefits. While the charm of enjoying a delightful display throughout the summer months is evident, there are additional advantages worth exploring. One of the key advantages is the minimal maintenance required for small-flowering bulbs. By promptly removing perennial weeds as soon as they appear and applying a yearly mulch of peat or leaf mold, the need for hoeing and digging is eliminated. This makes gardening tasks much more manageable and frees up valuable time for other activities. Another benefit is the absence of staking and tying tall-growing plants. Since small-flowering bulbs typically don't exceed 15 inches in height, there is no need to worry about providing additional support to prevent them from toppling over. This not only reduces the labor-intensive work of staking but also creates a more natural and effortless appearance in the garden. Furthermore, the versatility of small-flowering bulbs allows for creative planting options. It is not necessary to have a large border to enjoy a wide range of plants. Even small beds along garden paths can be transformed into captivating displays by carefully selecting a variety of bulbs that bloom throughout the year. Adding Juliae primroses and various saxifrages as soil coverings can further enhance the visual appeal. By embracing the world of small-flowering bulbs, gardeners can discover a whole new realm of beauty and convenience. With their vibrant colors, low maintenance requirements, and endless possibilities for creative arrangements, these bulbs offer an exciting alternative for any garden enthusiast.
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About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
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